India, Pakistan to ease visa restrictions

LAHORE: India and Pakistan have decided to ease visa restrictions to improve relations between the two countries. Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Sharat Subharwal termed the step a breakthrough in Indo-Pak bilateral relations.

A high-level Indian delegation held successful talk with Pakistani counterparts in the Interior Ministry on June 2-3. "The next round is scheduled in the beginning of August in New Delhi which can be beginning of a new era," said Subharwal

Subharwal was speaking at a lunch hosted by of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in honour of Rajinder Kumar Sharma, outgoing Commercial Counsellor.

“We have reached to the conclusion that bilateral trade is the best tool to melt the ice. It is the most effective Confidence Building Measure,” he said.

He said that Pakistani trading community always pushed for improved relations with India but these positive efforts reached new heights during the era of president FPCCI, Senator Haji Ghulam Ali.

Subharwal said that we will continue to facilitate local business community with an aim to boost trade which will be a win win situation for the two countries.

Earlier, in his welcome address FPCCI President Haji Ghulam Ali said that only enhanced trade can result in brotherhood between the two neighbours.

He lauded the services of RK Sharma saying that he tried his best to bring people of Pakistan and India together during his three-year stay in Pakistan. His services will be long remembered, he said.

Ghulam Ali said that the business community will miss Sharma and hoped that his successor Arvind Saxeena will also follow the suit by forging close ties with local businesspersons.

In his address, Mr Sharma said that he will never forget hospitality of Pakistanis. “I will be posted in New Delhi but my heart will continue to beat with Pakistanis,” he said adding that his doors will always be open for all Pakistanis.

Rahul Kulshreshth, Deputy High Commissioner of India said that they would try their level best to improve relations between people of the two countries.

Malik Sohail Hussain, Chairman Media, FPCCI, said that the efforts of business community would result in enhanced trade and cordial relations. “This will help tens of millions of people in both countries living below the poverty line,” he said.