Claim
Mani Shankar Aiyar, Farooq Abdullah and others are saying it is time to trust Pakistan and are urging that relations with Pakistan be restored.
“मणिशंकर अय्यर, फारूक अब्दुल्ला ये सारे लोग कह रहे हैं कि पाकिस्तान पर भरोसा करने का टाइम आ गया है। आप लोग रिश्ते बहाल कर दीजिए।”▶ Watch source segment
Rationale
Days before the July 2, 2026 broadcast, Mani Shankar Aiyar and Farooq Abdullah were among 116 Indian and Pakistani signatories of a June 30, 2026 open letter to PMs Modi and Sharif urging restoration of full diplomatic relations, resumption of dialogue, trade and travel. The anchor's core assertion — that these figures are urging that relations with Pakistan be restored — is factually correct; 'time to trust Pakistan' is the anchor's rhetorical paraphrase of the letter's call for engagement rather than a literal quote, but it does not materially distort their documented position.
Evidence
- https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/revive-bilateral-dialogue-restore-normal-ties-politicians-former-diplomats-from-india-pakistan-urge-both-govts/ Tribune India reports a June 30, 2026 open letter to PMs Modi and Sharif signed by 116 prominent citizens (61 Indians, 55 Pakistanis) including Mani Shankar Aiyar and Farooq Abdullah, calling for restoration of full diplomatic relations, reinstatement of high commissioners, resumption of visas, trade and comprehensive bilateral dialogue. ✓ reachable · archived
- https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/dialogue-remains-the-only-viable-way-117-eminent-indians-pakistanis-write-to-pms-modi-and-sharif-seeking-peace-initiative Free Press Journal confirms the joint appeal stressing 'sustained engagement and dialogue remain the only viable path', with Aiyar among Indian signatories urging restored ties with Pakistan. ✓ reachable · archived
- https://www.republicworld.com/india/farooq-abdullah-mehbooba-mufti-manoj-jha-under-fire-over-fresh-pitch-to-resume-talks-with-terror-sponsor-pakistan-2026-07-01-130736 Coverage on July 1, 2026 (the day before the broadcast) of Farooq Abdullah and others facing criticism over their fresh pitch to resume talks with Pakistan, showing the statements were current news at broadcast time. ✓ reachable · archived