41-691: The Lahore Declaration was a bilateral agreement and governance treaty between India and Pakistan . The treaty was signed on 21 February 1999, at the conclusion of a historic summit in Lahore , and ratified by the parliaments of both countries the same year. Under the terms of the treaty, a mutual understanding was reached towards the development of atomic arsenals and to avoid accidental and unauthorised operational use of nuclear weapons. The Lahore Declaration brought added responsibility to both nations' leadership towards avoiding nuclear race , as well as both non-conventional and conventional conflicts. This event
82-410: A common example of bilateralism. Since most economic agreements are signed according to the specific characteristics of the contracting countries to give preferential treatment to each other, not a generalized principle but a situational differentiation is needed. Thus through bilateralism, states can obtain more tailored agreements and obligations that only apply to particular contracting states. However,
123-653: A future summit in India. The Lahore treaty was very popular in Pakistan's civil society sphere. The general population polls were widely welcomed this move by the Nawaz Sharif Government to normalise relations with India. The news channels, television outlets, and print media widely hailed this move by the Government of Nawaz Sharif to normalise relations with India. Except JI , the far-right party
164-473: A liberalism perspective, because building a series of bilateral arrangements with small states can increase a state's influence. There has been a long debate on the merits of bilateralism versus multilateralism . The first rejection of bilateralism came after the First World War when many politicians concluded that the complex pre-war system of bilateral treaties had made war inevitable. This led to
205-497: Is essential for this purpose. The parliaments of both countries quickly ratified and acceded the treaties following the signatures. The Lahore Declaration was signed on 21 February along with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) after three rounds of talks between the Indian and Pakistani leaders. In its content, both governments asserted their commitment to the vision of peace, stability and mutual progress and their full commitment to
246-512: Is in contrast to unilateralism or multilateralism , which is activity by a single state or jointly by multiple states, respectively. When states recognize one another as sovereign states and agree to diplomatic relations, they create a bilateral relationship. States with bilateral ties will exchange diplomatic agents such as ambassadors to facilitate dialogues and cooperations. Economic agreements, such as free trade agreements (FTAs) or foreign direct investment (FDI), signed by two states, are
287-541: The Chaghai Hills tests . The bus had made its trial runs on 8 and 14 January, carrying officials of both governments. Vajpayee's bus journey and arrival in Pakistan was met with much fanfare on both sides of the border and worldwide media coverage. The inaugural bus also carried Indian celebrities and dignitaries such as Dev Anand , Satish Gujral , Javed Akhtar , Kuldip Nayar , Kapil Dev , Shatrughan Sinha and Mallika Sarabhai . Both governments soon promulgated
328-562: The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Despite the high profile of modern multilateral systems such as the United Nations and World Trade Organization , most diplomacy is still done at the bilateral level. Bilateralism has a flexibility and ease lacking in most compromise-dependent multilateral systems. In addition, disparities in power, resources, money, armament, or technology are more easily exploitable by
369-720: The Indian national cricket team 's tour of Pakistan in 2004, the Pakistani government permitted 10,000 Indians to travel to watch the cricket matches in Lahore; many of whom travelled via the bus amidst great fanfare at the border; the gesture was reciprocated the following year when the Pakistan national cricket team toured India. The Delhi-Lahore bus is jointly operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation and
410-743: The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation . The bus service is operated from Ambedkar Stadium Bus Terminal near Delhi Gate in Delhi and the Lahore-Delhi Bus Terminal at Gulberg-III near Liberty Market in Lahore . For journey to Lahore, there is a DTC Bus every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and a PTDC Bus every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. As regards the return trip to Delhi, the DTC Bus leaves Lahore every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday whereas
451-709: The Simla Agreement and the UN Charter . Both governments recognised through the Lahore Declaration that the development of nuclear weapons brought added responsibility to both nations towards avoiding conflict and promoted the importance of Confidence-building measures , especially to avoid accidental and unauthorised use of nuclear weapons. India and Pakistan also decided to give each other advance notification of ballistic missile flight tests and accidental or unexplained use of nuclear weapons to avoid
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#1732772970311492-609: The international community , the relations would very soon lose impetus after infiltration of Pakistan forces into Kargil, which led to the outbreak of the 1999 Indo-Pakistan War in May 1999. The Lahore treaty was one of the most important and historical treaties of India and Pakistan to normalise the relations to ease up the military tensions in South Asia. In 1972, the Simla Treaty was acceded to establish peaceful relations in
533-577: The 1998 nuclear tests. The initiative bolstered the popularity of the Vajpayee government in India, cementing his standing as a statesman. The relations between the two nations were completely transformed at the outbreak of the Kargil War in May 1999, following the sudden revelation that Pakistani soldiers had infiltrated into Indian Administered Kashmir ; the Indian Army was deployed to evict
574-538: The 1999 Lahore Declaration , which pledged both nations to the peaceful resolution of bilateral disputes, especially that of the Kashmir conflict and deployment of nuclear weapons , while fostering friendly commercial and cultural relations. While the bus service had continued to run during the Kargil War of 1999, it was suspended in the aftermath of the 2001 Indian Parliament attack on 13 December 2001, which
615-501: The Indian government accused Pakistan of instigating. The bus service was resumed on 16 July 2003 when bilateral relations had improved. Despite suspension due to bilateral tensions, the Delhi-Lahore bus remains a symbol of desired friendship between the two nations. Since its inception, the bus has frequently carried trade delegations, diplomats and celebrities to both nations, attracting much media coverage. In consideration of
656-652: The Kargil incursion, to power, thus exacerbating doubts over the future of the relations between the two nations. Despite many political difficulties, India reiterated the necessity of implementing the Simla and Lahore treaties and said India would support the Simla Agreement, Lahore Declaration, and the issue of cross-border terrorism. Bilateral agreement Bilateralism is the conduct of political, economic, or cultural relations between two sovereign states . It
697-576: The PTDC Bus leaves Lahore every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The DTC charges ₹ 2400 for adults ($ 40 approx.), and ₹ 833 ($ 13.2 approx.) for minors. Children under age of 2 travel free. The PTDC charges Rs. 4000 ($ 65 approx.)for adult ticket since 1 November 2014 (the price before was Rs. 2000). Authorities on both sides maintain strict security screening of the passengers and the luggage. Hazardous materials are prohibited and valuables checked. Customs and immigration checking are performed on arrival in
738-490: The Pakistan army soldiers and re-capture the disputed territory. The two-month-long conflict claimed the lives of hundreds of soldiers on both sides and brought both nations close to full-scale war and possible nuclear conflict. After this conflict, the "Lahore Treaty" was stalled and no further discussions took place between the two countries on promoting the dialogue and CBMs initiated at Lahore in February 1999. The conflict
779-441: The Pakistani town of Wagah and at the first stop in India at Amritsar . Passengers are required to carry their passports, a valid visa and their travel tickets and check in 2 hours before departure. The loss of tickets are to be reported to the police authorities. The DTC operated Bus is a Volvo B9R . Earlier, DTC had an Ashok Leyland Viking Bus with an Azad built body. The bus stops for meals and refreshment at Wagah and at
820-410: The aftermath of the war in 1971 and committed both nations to resolving bilateral disputes by peaceful dialogue and co-operation. In 1978, Pakistan made a proposal to limit the nuclear race between two countries and to establish South Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (SANWFZ), for which negotiations were never concluded. In 1988, Pakistan and India reached an important understanding towards controlling
861-500: The city of Lahore , Pakistan via the border transit post at Wagah near Attari . The Routemaster bus number 10 was of symbolic importance to the efforts of the governments of both nations to foster peaceful and friendly relations. In its inaugural run on 19 February 1999, the bus carried the then-Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee , who was to attend a summit in Lahore and was received by his Pakistani counterpart, Nawaz Sharif at Wagah. In August 2019 Pakistan decided to stop
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#1732772970311902-584: The creation of the multilateral League of Nations (which was disbanded in failure after 26 years). A similar reaction against bilateral trade agreements occurred after the Great Depression , when it was argued that such agreements helped produce a cycle of rising tariffs that deepened the economic downturn. Thus, after the Second World War , the West turned to multilateral agreements such as
943-471: The end of the month of May 1998. The tests invited condemnation and economic sanctions on both countries and many in the international community fear that in wake of intensified conflict, it could lead to a nuclear war . In 1998, the Foreign ministries of both countries had been initiating peace process to ease up the tension in the region. On 23 September 1998 both governments signed an agreement recognising
984-497: The example of the Samjhauta Express that was launched in 1976, the bus service was launched to permit divided families to visit relatives and to foster commerce and tourism. The bus service launch was a key element in the efforts of the Indian and Pakistani governments to improve frosty and tense relations with Pakistan, especially in the aftermath of the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests and the immediate Pakistani response of
1025-461: The inaugural bus service between New Delhi and Lahore. He was received by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the units of Pakistan Army gave the Indian Prime minister a guard of honour . It embarked on a historic visit to Pakistan, travelling on the inaugural bus service connecting the Indian capital of New Delhi with the major Pakistani city of Lahore , establishing a major transport link for
1066-472: The leader of an "enemy-combatant nation," was boycotted by the chiefs of Pakistan military, and those included the Chairman joint chiefs and army chief General Pervez Musharaff , air chief ACM PQ Mehdi and naval chief Admiral Fasih Bokhari . The Lahore Declaration was hailed warmly in India and in the global media and by governments of other nations, forging optimism after the global tensions over
1107-555: The nuclear tests controversy. The summit was hailed worldwide as a major breakthrough and milestone in bilateral relations and a historic step towards ending conflict and tensions in the region. The Lahore declaration is one notable treaty after the 1988 NNAA treaty and the 1972 Shimla Treaty . After the two Prime ministers signed the agreement, the foreign secretaries of Pakistan Shamshad Ahmad and India K. Raghunath signed an MoU on 21 February 1999, identifying measures aimed at promoting an environment of peace and security between
1148-545: The nuclear weapons, and signed the NNAA treaty . Despite many proposals, the nuclear race continued and the cold war had been heightened over the issue of Kashmir . The domestic pressure and the increasingly political momentum made India conduct nuclear tests (see: Operation Shakti ) in May 1998, in spite of international pressure. Responding to India's test, Pakistan equalised the nuclear magnitude in South Asia after performing its own series of atomic tests, (see: Chagai-I ), all at
1189-731: The objectives of the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation and promote human rights. In the joint statement issued after the conclusion of the summit, both governments said that their foreign ministers would meet periodically and consult each other on issues pertaining to the World Trade Organization and information technology. A two-member ministerial committee was to be established to investigate human rights issues, civilian detainees and missing prisoners of war . The Indian Prime Minister thanked his Pakistani counterpart and issued an invitation for
1230-470: The outbreak of a nuclear conflict. Its important inter alia stated: The Lahore Declaration and the MoU incorporated a joint commitment to intensify efforts to resolve the Kashmir conflict and other dispute, to enhance bilateral dialogue and to implement nuclear safeguards and measures to prevent conflict. Both governments condemned terrorism and committed to non-interference in each other's internal affairs and
1271-414: The peoples of both nations. The inaugural bus also carried Indian celebrities and dignitaries such as Dev Anand , Satish Gujral , Javed Akhtar , Kuldip Nayar , Kapil Dev , Shatrughan Sinha and Mallika Sarabhai . He was received amidst great fanfare and media attention at the Pakistani border post of Wagah by Pakistan Prime minister Nawaz Sharif, with whom he had been at loggerheads a year before over
Lahore Declaration - Misplaced Pages Continue
1312-538: The principle of building an environment of peace and security and resolving all bilateral conflicts, which became the basis of the Lahore Declaration. On 11 February 1999, the Pakistan Foreign Office announced the state visit of Indian Prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee aboard the maiden bus service between the two countries. Before the arrival of Indian Prime Minister, a warm welcome awaited Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee when he arrived at Wagah by
1353-485: The service in the wake of India revoking Jammu and Kashmir's special status . Officially launching its services on 16 March, the bus service was not halted even after the outbreak of the Kargil War . The bus service was halted in the aftermath of the 2001 Indian Parliament attack , which led to a serious confrontation between the two neighbours. Since the partition of India in 1947, travel restrictions were imposed and most road and railway links shut off. Following
1394-445: The states will face a trade-off because it is more wasteful in transaction costs than the multilateral strategy. In a bilateral strategy, a new contract has to be negotiated for each participant. So it tends to be preferred when transaction costs are low and the member surplus, which corresponds to " producer surplus " in economic terms, is high. Moreover, this will be effective if an influential state wants control over small states from
1435-399: The stronger side in bilateral diplomacy, which powerful states might consider as a positive aspect of it, compared to the more consensus-driven multilateral form of diplomacy, where the one state-one vote rule applies. A 2017 study found that bilateral tax treaties, even if intended to "coordinate policies between countries to avoid double taxation and encourage international investment", had
1476-429: The two countries. The MOU reaffirmed the continued commitment of their respective governments to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter . The MoU reiterated the determination of both countries to implementing the Simla Agreement in letter and spirit; and that an environment of peace and security is in the national interest of both countries and that resolution of all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir,
1517-494: The unintended consequence of allowing "multinationals to engage in treaty shopping, states' fiscal autonomy is limited, and governments tend to maintain lower tax rates." Delhi-Lahore Bus The Delhi–Lahore Bus , officially known as Sada-e-Sarhad ( Translation : Call of the Frontier, Hindi : सदा ए सरहद ; Urdu : صدائے سرحد ) , is a passenger bus service connecting the Indian capital of New Delhi , Delhi with
1558-411: Was critical of this treaty; all major political forces in Pakistan, including PPP , hailed and congratulated Nawaz Sharif for successfully reaching the Lahore treaty. However, it was speculated in the Indian news media that many in Pakistan military did not approve of the treaty and consequently worked to subvert it and escalate tensions between the two nations. The reception for Vajpayee, described as
1599-595: Was followed by an Atlantique incident in which the Indian Air Force intercepted and shot down the Pakistan Navy 's reconnaissance aircraft; a total of eleven naval personnel were killed. After months of contentious relations with the military and judiciary, a military coup d'état was staged by Pakistan Armed Forces that overthrew the Government of Nawaz Sharif and brought the chairman joint chiefs General Pervez Musharraf, believed to be responsible for
1640-408: Was quickly ratified by the parliaments of India and Pakistan and came into force the same year. The Lahore Declaration signalled a major breakthrough in overcoming the historically strained bilateral relations between the two nations in the aftermath of the publicly performed atomic tests carried out by both nations in May 1998. Widely popular in the public circles in Pakistan and hailed by
1681-432: Was significant in the history of Pakistan and it provided both countries an environment of mutual confidence . In a much-covered televised press conference in both countries, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee signed the treaty. It was the second nuclear control treaty signed by both countries and pledged to continue the use of the first treaty, NNAA , was signed in 1988. The Lahore treaty