ACROSS THE BORDER
Pak-based Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation attends India’s 77th Republic Day Reception
Ferozepur, January 27m2026: In a significant gesture aimed at fostering cross-border harmony, Imtiaz Rasheed Qureshi, Chairman of the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation Pakistan, attended the 77th Republic Day reception of India held at the Marriott Hotel, Islamabad. Accompanied by renowned journalist and foundation spokesperson Shams-ul-Haq Qazafi, Qureshi joined the event hosted by the Indian High Commission.
During the reception, Qureshi met with Ms. Geetika Srivastava, Charge d’Affaires of the High Commission of India. He extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of India on behalf of the Pakistani public, emphasizing the shared heritage and the necessity of peace.
“While many things in the world can be changed, neighbours cannot be replaced,” Qureshi remarked. He advocated for a shift away from hostility, urging both nations to prioritize dialogue, friendship, and people-to-people contact. He expressed strong optimism that 2026 would serve as a turning point for restoring bilateral relations, paving the way for enhanced social, cultural, and economic cooperation.
Qureshi specifically highlighted that resuming bilateral trade would be a catalyst for regional stability, helping to alleviate poverty and unemployment on both sides of the border. He noted that the prosperity of South Asia is deeply interconnected, requiring mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
Concluding his remarks, he stated that the "politics of hatred" has only yielded losses. He called for a future rooted in trade and engagement, ensuring that the next generation inherits a stable and prosperous South Asia.