Indian delegation returns with happy memories

Staff Report

LAHORE: A 59-member delegation of Indian judges, lawyers and parliamentarians crossed the border at Wagah into India after a four-day goodwill visit to Pakistan.

On Thursday, the Punjab Bar Council (PbBC) hosted a dinner for the delegation members. On the occasion, delegation leader Dr Anmol Ratan said he realised only now that a person who had not visited Lahore had not been anywhere. “By visiting Lahore, I have fulfilled my long-cherished dream,” he said. “May we develop love and affection for people in Pakistan and India and do away with feelings of hatred for each other.”

PbBC Vice Chairman Arif Chaudhry said the two countries should bury the hatchet and promote brotherly relations.

The delegation members thanked Justice Fakhrunnisa, Justice Chaudhry Iftikhar Hussain, Justice Pervez Akhtar, Justice (r) Zafar Pasha, Opposition eader in the Punjab Assembly Qasim Zia and the Punjab advocate general for their hospitality.

Indian delegation asked to aid Mehndi’s acquittal: Local stage artist Sohail Ahmed has asked a delegation of Indian judges, lawyers and jurists to help exonerate Indian singer Daler Mehndi when they return.

Mr Ahmed entertained the delegation on Thursday at a dinner hosted by the Punjab Bar Council (PbBC), in honour of the guests. Addressing the gathering, Mr Ahmed said that Mr Mehndi was a great singer.

He feared that Mr Mehndi might have been arrested for building dubious relations with Pakistan during his visits and performances.

He said that there was no question of his involvement in human trafficking, as a performer of his calibre earned a lot of money and did not need to take people abroad illegally. However, members of the delegation denied that Mr Mehndi was being victimised for building relations with Pakistan.

They also assured the stage artist they would help Mr Mehndi against any charges aimed at marring his name as an artist.

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