LAHORE- Indian mediapersons, currently on a visit to the Punjab capital, on July 14th, 2003 underlined the need for Pakistan and India to move ahead and foster friendly relations in order to meet global challenges.

Visiting the Lahore Press Club in the afternoon on the last leg of their three-day visit, they called for greater people-to-people contact to establish relationship based on mutual respect for each other.

The Indian mediapersons, who came to Lahore aboard a bus from New Delhi that marked the resumption of road links between the two countries, said they thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality and friendship showered on them by the local people.

“This had been a great experience though three days is too short a period,” said Zeenews TV reporter Sheetal in her interaction with the Lahore journalists.

She said she found no difference between Lahore and New Delhi. She said she found her visit to the Government College Lahore most educating as her grandfather had studied in this illustrious institution.

All India Radio reporter Shambu Rajneesh said they did not feel as strangers in Lahore and were welcomed warmly wherever they went. He said the media of the two countries could play an important role in furthering the friendship between them.

Sanjeev Travedi of Sahara TV networks agreed that in his country some people are of an opinion which is resentful of Pakistan. “You will always find such opinion holders in a democratic country. But overall majority of opinion-makers respects the sovereignty of Pakistan and yearns for friendship with this country.”

The Indian mediapersons called for the renewal of sporting ties. “We are missing the thrill of cricket matches between Pakistan and India and the cricket lovers are being denied this pleasure,” said Sheetal.

On Kashmir, they said the issue be left to the respective governments. “Diplomacy should not be allowed to run through media which is very risky,” added Rajneesh.

Source: The News
Date:7/15/2003