Breakthrough: Pakistan, India likely to ease visa restrictions

Next round of high-level talks scheduled for August.

ISLAMABAD:

Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Sharat Subharwal has said that a breakthrough in bilateral relations between India and Pakistan is expected as both countries have decided to ease visa restrictions.

Speaking at a lunch hosted by Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in honour of outgoing Commercial Counsellor Rajinder Kumar Sharma, here on Tuesday, Subharwal said,” we have reached the conclusion that bilateral trade is the best tool to melt the ice. It is the most effective confidence building measure.”

He said a high-level Indian delegation had held successful talks with Pakistani counterparts in the Interior Ministry on June 2-3. He added the next round has been scheduled in the beginning of August in New Delhi which can be beginning of a new era.

He said that Pakistani trading community has long been pushing for improved relations with India. He said, “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”.

FPCCI President Haji Ghulam Ali in his welcome address said that only enhanced trade can result in brotherhood between the two neighbours. He also lauded the services of Sharma saying that he had tried his best to bring people of Pakistan and India together during his three-year stay in Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th, 2011.