Mian Muhammad Mansha a leading Pakistan businessman has claimed that India and Pakistan are engaged in backchannel talks and Prime Minister Narendra Modi could visit Islamabad soon.
“If things improve between the two neighbours, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could visit Pakistan in a month,” Mian Muhammad Mansha claimed on Wednesday, according to Dawn newspaper.
Mansha, who is the chairman of Nishat Group, made these remarks at a gathering of businessmen at the Lahore Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
He advised the two countries to resolve their disputes and start trade to fight poverty in the region.
“If the economy does not improve, the country may face disastrous consequences. Pakistan should improve trade relations with India and take a regional approach to economic development. Europe fought two great wars, but ultimately settled for peace and regional development. There is no permanent enmity.”
Trade relations between Pakistan and India have been suspended since August 2019 when New Delhi revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status and split the state into two Union Territories
There have been reports of backchannel talks last summer between the two economies of the region brokered by a Gulf state. However, the government said the talks were discontinued due to alleged Indian repression of the people of Kashmir, as well as its refusal to recall its troops from the valley and restore its special status.
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MEA Refuses To Comment
Ministry of External Affairs said it does not comment on observations from private individuals when asked to react to claims by the leading Pakistani businessman.
MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi neither confirmed nor denied the claim and instead said it was not the practice of South Block to comment on statements by private individuals.