Pakistan envoy to India visits Amritsar's Golden Temple, meets CM

NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood on an official visit to Haryana and Punjab recently visited the Golden Temple, Sikh community’s holiest shrine in Amritsar.

In a statement issued by the Pakistan high commission on Friday High Commissioner Mahmood also met the chief ministers of Haryana and Punjab in order to help improve the unity of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Apart of the chief ministers, the Pakistan envoy also met with dignitaries, academics, businessmen and representatives of the media during his visit.

The High Commissioner also visited the Punjab University in Chandigarh and met Vice Chancellor Dr Arun K. Grover and other faculty members. The interactions were also witnessed by some of the students.

A wide portion of the discussion was over the Indo-Pak relations. the need for reducing bilateral tensions including on the Line of Control in Kashmir, reviving the structured dialogue process, implementing confidence-building measures, peacefully resolving outstanding disputes and taking steps to promote socio-economic development at the regional level through the SAARC initiative.

“One on one interaction plays a vital role in changing perceptions and creating a conducive environment for sustainable peace and stability,” the statement said.

In Amritsar, Mr Mahmood also met with the members of the Confederation of Indian Industries and businessmen associated with Pakistan-India trade.

High Commissioner also pressed the issue of releasing the Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences, most of which are villagers, not aware that they have crossed the border.

Among other things the envoy talked about trade-related problems, the need for the revival of relevant business and governmental mechanisms, and facilitation of visas for Pakistani businessmen.