53-Year-Old Symbolism Ends: Pakistan Flag Removed from Shimla Agreement Table

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The table flag of Pakistan, which had been placed on the historic table of the Shimla Agreement at the Himachal Raj Bhavan, has been removed. The flag had been there for 53 years, symbolizing the agreement signed between India and Pakistan in 1972.

Background of the Shimla Agreement

The Shimla Agreement was signed on July 2, 1972, between then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The agreement aimed to improve relations between the two countries and led to the release of over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers who were taken prisoner during the 1971 war.

Removal of the Flag

The removal of the flag comes after the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and Pakistan's subsequent announcement to cancel the Shimla Agreement. Raj Bhavan Secretary CP Verma stated that there is no specific reason for removing the flag.

Significance of the Shimla Agreement

The Shimla Agreement was a significant step towards improving India-Pakistan relations. The agreement stipulated that both countries would return to their respective borders within 20 days and work towards bettering their relationship.

Current Developments

With the removal of the Pakistan table flag, only the Indian flag now remains on the historic table at the Himachal Raj Bhavan. The development has sparked interest in the current state of India-Pakistan relations and the future of the Shimla Agreement.