My visit will contribute to rapprochement: Advani

LAHORE: Indian Opposition leader LK Advani said on Friday that the Pakistan-India peace process was irreversible, adding that his visit would contribute to the process of rapprochement between the two countries.

“The optimism and firm commitment to resolve all outstanding issues with consensus and dialogue will pave the way for enduring peace between the two neighbours,” Advani said during his meeting with Punjab Governor Khalid Maqbool at Governor’s House. Governor Maqbool said the peace process between the two countries had already increased people-to-people contact, leading to the establishment of mutually beneficial relations between civil society representatives of the two countries.He said that normalisation of relations would encourage permanent ties between businessmen of the two countries in terms of marketing their product and buying raw material from each other at competitive prices.

In a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, Advani said the Pakistan-India dialogue process would help resolve issues, adding that the peace mission would continue and friendly relations would help promote tourism and other sectors. He thanked the Punjab government for measures to protect the sacred places of minorities.

Elahi said the people of both countries were enthusiastic about the ongoing peace process, which would help both sides understand each other’s points of view and promote cooperation in various sectors. Advani visited the samadhi of Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh and Lahore Fort. At Lahore Museum, he showed keen interest in the Gandhara Art Gallery, rare statues of Buddha and unique collection of coins dating back to the Greek, Hindu and Muslim periods.

Advani also visited the Lahore Railway Station, ‘Do Moria Bridge’ and parts of the Walled City. Speaking at a reception hosted by Nankana Sahib Nazim Pir Mumtaz Ali Shah, Advani declared that all disputes between India and Pakistan including Kashmir would be resolved amicably. In Nankana, Advani visited Gurdwara Janam Asthan (birthplace of Babu Guru Nanak) with his delegation and paid homage to the great Sikh Guru. Advani said he was glad to visit Punajb where he was given special honour. app

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