Former Pakistan PM Acknowledges Violation of 1999 Lahore Declaration with India

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, during a recent re-election address with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) general council, made significant revelations regarding the breach of the 1999 Lahore Declaration with India. Sharif acknowledged the violation of the peace agreement by Pakistan, attributing it to the Kargil War adventurism led by General Pervez Musharraf. He reminisced the agreement with then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee which was subsequently disrupted by the Kargil conflict.

The Lahore Declaration, inked on February 21, 1999, aimed at fostering peace and stability between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. It highlighted the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue, combating terrorism, nuclear risk reduction, intensifying dialogue processes, and committing to SAARC objectives.

However, shortly after the historic Lahore Declaration, tensions escalated as Pakistan initiated the Kargil War, infiltrating the Kargil district in Jammu and Kashmir through Operation Badr. This hostile move aimed to isolate Indian Army forces in the region but led to a full-fledged conflict known as Operation Vijay, resulting in significant casualties.

The violation of the Lahore Declaration derailed the peace process between India and Pakistan, intensifying mutual mistrust. Despite its breach, the objectives enshrined in the declaration continue to hold relevance, sparking discussions on reviving the pact in the future to promote lasting peace in the region.

In his address, Sharif also touched upon recent political developments, implicating Imran Khan‘s rise to power with alleged interference from the ISI and General Islam. He claimed false charges were instrumental in his ousting from office in 2017, contrasting it with the perceived leniency towards Khan’s administration.