A vast majority of the peace loving people have welcomed the news of Indian Prime Ministers invitation to the Pakistani leadership to visit India on the occasion of Cricket World Cup semi-final match between Pakistan and India. It is earnestly hoped that this meeting will not only be a harbinger of peace between the two neighbouring nations, but will also be a huge performance incentive for both the cricket teams.
Moreover, it is hoped that this historic opportunity of meeting, between the two democratically elected prime ministers will also be utilised as a turning point for genuine and authentic progress towards peace and harmony.
Some suggestions are given below that can quicken the pace of these peace talks.
Visa restrictions need be softened to increase people to people contact.
Trade between both the nations should be given top most priority.
Relatives of prisoners should be given preferential visas.
Exchange of cultural, educational, trade/business and sports teams should be accorded top priority for strengthening the people to people bonds.
Indian cricket team should be invited to visit Pakistan.
As promised earlier, the BCCI must use its influence on the ICC to restore visits of foreign teams to Pakistan.
Direct air, rail and road traffic to more Indian and Pakistani cities should be opened without delay.
Telephone call rates should be brought down to a reasonable level.
All television channels, newspapers and magazines should be freely available in both the countries without any restrictions.
SYED NAYYAR UDDIN AHMAD
Lahore