The Lahore Declaration [1999]

Nawaz Sharif in order to normalize relations between India and Pakistan under took a major initiative in February 1999. This initiative culminated in a visit by the Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to Lahore on a bus in 1999. He was met at wagah border by Nawaz Sharif and a joint communiqué known as the “Lahore Declaration” was signed between the two leaders.

This declaration spelled out the various steps taken by the two countries towards normalization of relations between the two countries. Except for Jammat-e-Islami, the visit was not opposed by any political or social element in Pakistan. The Pakistani people welcomed this move by the Nawaz government to normalize relations with India.