Pakistan-India Parlimentarians dialogue stresses better ties

NEW DELHI: Parliamentarians from Pakistan and India Friday suggested a number of measures ranging from expediting trade agreements to making the parade at Wagah-Attari border more ceremonial and friendly.

In a joint statement issued at the end of the two-day talks, they noted that time was ripe to consolidate relationship between the two countries and pitched for liberalization of the visa regime at the earliest and resolution of long-standing disputes such as Siachen and Sir Creek.

At the conclusion of the fourth round of India-Pakistan Parliamentarians Dialogue in New Delhi, they said, the two countries should also consider taking unilateral initiatives to improve relations.

The Parliamentarians urged the two governments to sign at the earliest the liberal visa regime finalized between the two countries that introduces the concept of group tourist visa, visa on arrival and a separate category of business visas.

They felt that there is a need to explore opportunities for collaboration in facilitating people-to-people contacts in crucial fields such as education, health, local government and media.

The Parliamentarians also recommended immediate release of prisoners who have completed their term and humanitarian treatment of fisher folk and others who inadvertently cross into the territory or territorial waters of the other country.

The decision to resume cricketing ties which had been suspended in 2007 was also welcomed by the Parliamentarians.