High time for Pakistan, India to end differences: Wattoo
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo on Friday said it is high time for both India and Pakistan to end their differences to start a new relationship of cooperation and friendship.
The Minister, who is on a visit to India, said this while addressing a function at a college in the native town of Chief Minister, Indian Punjab, Parkash Singh Badil.
He is on a four-day private visit along with his family members on the invitation of Parkash Singh Badil, said a message received here.
Wattoo said Pakistan's government is eager to develop friendly relations with its neighbors, especially India and foreign offices of both the countries have taken concrete steps towards the fulfillment of this goal.
First time in the history, the visa policy is made people friendly and efforts are underway to strengthen trade ties between the two countries, he said.
Wattoo reminded that to increase the trade volume between Pakistan and India, proposals to open up Head Sulemanki Border are under consideration in Pakistan and President Asif Ali Zardari had issued direction to Foreign Office to work out on the possibilities.
He asked the Chief Minister, Indian Punjab to persuade his central government to make necessary arrangement to open up the Head Sulemanki Border, saying that it will not only benefit people of Central and Southern Punjab in Pakistan but will also open up new avenues of trade for the States of Eastern Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan on Indian side.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badil appreciated this proposal and assured his full cooperation in this respect.
The people present on the occasion strongly favored the proposal of opening the Head Sulemanki Border and applauded Mian Manzoor Wattoo for this offer.
Wattoo said that a strong democratic government is working in Pakistan and President Zardari is head of the largest and most popular party of the country.
"We are moving in right direction to build a strong Pakistan by improving our friendly ties in the region," Wattoo added.
Earlier, upon his arrival, Principal of Girls College welcomed the Minister. The students presented a show of pure Punjabi culture.
Mian Manzoor Wattoo also visited College hostel and appreciated the facilities provided to the students.
He also commended the Chief Minister for establishment of such a high standard educational institution for girls in his native village.
During his stay in Chandigarh, Wattoo also met with various cabinet members.
High time for Pakistan, India to end differences: Wattoo