NEW DELHI, Aug 24:
Pushing forward for better ties, MPs from India and Pakistan today suggested a slew of measures ranging from expediting trade agreements to making the parade at Wagah-Attari border more ceremonial and friendly.
They noted that time was ripe to consolidate relationship between the two countries and pitched for liberalisation 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, they said the two countries should also consider taking unilateral initiatives to improve relations.
“The Parliamentarians recommend that the two Governments must also accelerate the process of finalisation of trade in energy-related products,” a joint statement issued at end of the two-day talks.
They urged the two Governments to “sign at the earliest the liberal visa regime finalised between the two countries that introduces the concept of group tourist visa, visa on arrival and a separate category of business visas.
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, they said.
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. (PTI)
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