ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood hasunderscored the need for reducing bilateral tensions between India andPakistan including on the Line of Control, implementing Confidence-BuildingMeasures (CBMs) and reviving the structured dialogue process, besidespeacefully resolving outstanding disputes between the two countries.The high commissioner stated this during his official visit to the Indianstates of Haryana and Punjab from April 23 to 25, during which he hadbroad-ranging interaction with state dignitaries, academics, businessmenand representatives of the media, a press release of the Pakistan HighCommission, New Delhi received here Friday said.The High Commissioner also stressed the need for taking steps to promotesocio-economic development at the regional level through the vehicle ofSAARC.
High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood during his visit called on Haryana’s ChiefMinister. Manohar Lal Khattar. The meeting was also attended by the HaryanaChief Secretary, Principal Secretary, and other senior officers. The highcommissioner also called on the Chief Minister of Punjab, Capt. AmarinderSingh, and had an extended exchange of views during the luncheon graciouslyhosted by the latter at the chief minister’s official residence. Otherparticipants included the Punjab Chief Secretary, Chief PrincipalSecretary, Media Adviser, Director General Police, and other seniorofficers.The High Commissioner later visited the Panjab University in Chandigarh forinteraction with Vice Chancellor Dr. Arun K. Grover and other Members ofthe Faculty. A group of University students also participated in thediscussions.
The high commissioner also visited the office of the daily newspaper TheTribune, headquartered in Chandigarh. The Tribune, it may be recalled, wasfirst established in Lahore more than 130 years ago.During these interactions, views were exchanged on myriad aspects ofPakistan-India relations. Among other things, the role of people-to-peoplecontacts — in particular media, academia, sports and the youth — inchanging perceptions and creating a conducive environment for sustainablepeace and stability was highlighted.
In the context of making progress on humanitarian issues, the HighCommissioner underlined the importance of early repatriation of Pakistaniprisoners who had completed their sentences.During the course of his visit to Amritsar, High Commissioner SohailMahmood had interaction with members of the CII and businessmen associatedwith Pakistan-India trade.
In these discussions, among other things, the role of visa facilitation forPakistani businessmen and the need for revival of relevant business andgovernmental mechanisms for addressing trade-related problems and issueswas emphasized.High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood also visited the Golden Temple, theholiest Sikh shrine in Amritsar, to pay obeisance.