Prime Minister stresses need to address core issue with sincerity under resumed Pakistan, India dialogue

Islamabad, June 21, 2011 (PPI): Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani stressed need to address core issues with sincerity under resumed dialogue process between Pakistan and India.

Talking to a Sikh delegation led by Ch. Abhay Singh, Member State Assembly of Haryana Tuesday at PM House, he noted that dialogue between two countries had resumed, secretaries of Interior, Home, Commerce, Defence had already met while Foreign Secretaries’ level talks due to be held June 23-24 in Islamabad. He called for increased trade, people-to-people contacts, particularly by enhanced exchanges of parliamentarians to bring both countries closer.

Gilani spoke of his recent visit to Mohali to witness Cricket World Cup’s semi final between Pakistan & India, recalled his interaction with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, other leaders. He reciprocated Indian Premier’s keen desire to discuss all issues between and said two countries must resolve all core disputes to live peacefully and divert their attention to address poverty, socio-economic development.

He stressed need for proper maintenance, upkeep of religious shrines, other holy places of every religion in both countries. Pilgrims be facilitated during visits to respective shrines.

Ch. Abhay expressed satisfaction over upkeep of Gurdwaras and holy places in Pakistan. The delegation included Abishek, Member State Assembly of Rajhistan, Mininder Singh, Hara Singh & Surinder Singh. Labour & Manpower Minister Ch Wajahat Hussain, State Minister for Housing Raza Hayat Hiraj, MNAs Sardar Talib Hussain Nakai, Sardar Asif Nakai & Syed Sumsam Ali Shah Bukhari were also present.