Indian and Pakistani media can play vital role in bridging the gaps and bringing people of the two countries closer, Pakistan Muslim League Functional (PML-F) chief organiser and adviser to the Sindh Chief Minister Imtiaz Ahmed Shaikh said on Sunday. “The people of both countries are waiting for a breakthrough in the relations of the two sides,” he said while addressing a reception held to honour Indian journalists at his residence. The Mumbai Press Club Chairman Prakash Akolkar and his Karachi Press Club counterpart Tahir Hassan Khan also spoke on the occasion. Sindhi traditional ajraks and topis were presented to the 22-member delegation.
“Restoration of normal ties between the two countries would be in the best interest of people of the region. People-to-people contacts should increase as the culture of the two neighbouring countries is similar,” Shaikh said. “Relations between Pakistan and India can only be normalised through joint struggle.” He also said that there is a need to review visa policies in both countries. “It is the responsibility of media to pressure both governments to implement decisions made during negotiations,” he added.