On February 28, 2025, the National Institute of Public Administration, Lahore, hosted Ambassador Shahid Malik, for a lecture on “Pakistan India Relations”.

The speaker highlighted the deteriorating state of Pakistan-India relations, emphasizing the lack of meaningful dialogue despite attempts at engagement post-Mumbai attacks. Drawing on his personal experience as a former High Commissioner to India, he noted the historical baggage, including unresolved issues stemming from the 1947 partition and post-1965 war relations. He warned that future conflicts could center on the Indus Water Treaty and stressed the need to revive the composite dialogue process to address key issues such as Kashmir, Siachen, and water rights. He also criticized India’s trade barriers and Modi’s policies, particularly the abrogation of Article 370. The speaker called for urgent dialogue and suggested a roadmap involving the exchange of high commissioners, resumption of the SAARC process, and proactive business forums to foster economic cooperation and resolve long-standing disputes.