Calling for a fresh push towards peace, 117 eminent citizens from India and Pakistan issued a joint appeal urging the two countries’ governments to restore bilateral dialogue, reopen discussions on Jammu and Kashmir, pursue military de-escalation, and rebuild normal ties. The joint India-Pakistan peace letter, however, did not emerge overnight. Behind the initiative is a man called OP Shah, a Kolkata-based chartered accountant and founder of the Centre for Peace and Progress.
The man has spent over three decades building platforms for dialogue between the two countries despite recurring diplomatic breakdowns.
Apart from being a CA, OP Shah is a social activist and an advocate for improved relations between India and Pakistan. He is the chairman and founder of the Delhi-based Centre for Peace and Progress.
Shah’s involvement in bilateral peace efforts dates back to 1991, when he organised the first Indo-Pak dialogue at the India International Centre in Delhi. He subsequently led two delegations to Pakistan in 1991 and 1992. Since then, he has consistently promoted people-to-people contacts, civil society engagement, and Track-II diplomacy. The Centre for Peace and Progress, which he heads, has organised numerous discussions on bilateral issues, with a particular focus on Jammu and Kashmir.
A former editor of Parlance and member of the Press Council of India, Shah has also served as District Governor of Lions Clubs International, according to his LinkedIn bio.
LATEST INITIATIVE: THE JOINT PEACE LETTER TO MODI, SHARIF
In late June, OP Shah coordinated a high-profile open letter addressed to the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan.
Dated June 30, the appeal was signed by prominent citizens — reports cite around 61 Indians and 55-56 Pakistanis — calling for the restoration of peace, normalcy, dialogue, and cooperation. The letter urges sustained engagement to resolve differences, including discussions on Jammu and Kashmir (referencing frameworks from 2004-2007), steps toward demilitarisation, and greater focus on social and economic development over defence spending.
The Indian signatories included National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, RJD MP Manoj Jha, and former TMC minister and current AJUP leader Humayun Kabir.
Among the Pakistani signatories were former Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, former diplomat Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, National Assembly member Isphanyar Bhandara, and nuclear physicist and author Pervez Hoodbhoy.
Shah has described the initiative as a collective effort by civil society to build a climate of trust and goodwill, emphasising that both Indians and Pakistanis desire better relations for future generations. In interviews, including with India Today, he stressed that the letter does not support terrorism and focuses on positive dialogue rather than assigning blame.
WHO IS OP SHAH, THE MAN BEHIND THE PEACE INITIATIVE?
Shah has edited books compiling diverse views on Indo-Pak relations, including ‘In Pursuit of Peace: Improving Indo-Pak Relations’ (with subsequent volumes). These publications bring together intellectuals, activists, and political figures from both countries to explore pathways to mutual understanding and reduced tensions.
He has participated in panel discussions as well, met with political and civil society leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, and advocated for uninterrupted dialogue involving all stakeholders.
His approach centres on the belief that civil society can play a constructive role alongside official channels in bridging the trust deficit.
Critics, however, have questioned initiatives like the recent letter for not explicitly conditioning dialogue on Pakistan ending cross-border terrorism, arguing that past peace efforts were met with attacks such as the 1993 Mumbai blasts and 26/11 attacks.
During an interview with India Today TV, OP Shah was asked, “Peace is a two-way street. Every effort that India put in for peace with Pakistan was followed by a terror attack from Pakistan. Why doesn’t your letter put the onus on Pakistan to end terror before dialogue with India?”
Shah also faced backlash on social media, where many questioned the logic of seeking talks with a country they argued had repeatedly responded to peace overtures with terrorism rather than dialogue. While Shah was subjected to personal attacks online, he has continued to defend his stance, arguing that dialogue remains the only way to bridge the trust deficit and secure lasting peace.
Shah also maintained that his work highlights shared aspirations for peace without equating the two nations or endorsing violence.
Now in his later years, OP Shah continues to be active through the Centre for Peace and Progress, using seminars, books, delegations, and open appeals to push for normalised relations.
Detractors see his efforts as overly optimistic or one-sided given the history of terrorism and conflict. His initiatives continue to spark debate on the balance between idealism and security realities in one of the world’s most sensitive bilateral relationships.
– Ends
Published By:
Anand Singh
Published On:
Jul 3, 2026 16:27 IST
