The Pakistan Government has decided to declare ‘Panja Sahib’ a holi city and a function would be organized by Pak-Indo Friendship Association to mark this historic occasion. This was disclosed by the President of Pak-Indo Friendship Association and Legal Consulate Ministry of Interior Government of Pakistan Mr. Arif Chaudhry, who called on Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here late last evening at the latter’s residence. Mr. Arif invited the Chief Minister to Pakistan to grace the occasion for which schedule would be finalized as per convenience of Mr. Badal.
Appreciating the benevolent gesture of Pakistan Government as well as the concerted efforts of the association, Mr. Badal said that he had always championed the cause for further strengthening the bilateral ties between India and Pakistan through opening the Hussainiwal and Fazilka border that would give far more impetus to boost trade & business activity in the sub-continent. He also mentioned that SAD-BJP government had successfully created a peaceful atmosphere in which the Industrial and Commercial activities were flourishing in the state. The communal harmony, amity and brotherhood amongst people of different religions were at par excellence in Punjab, said Mr. Badal. He hoped that with the formation of the new government in Pakistan the bilateral relations would further improve and new business and cultural exchange avenues would be worked out through promoting people to people contact programmers.
Mr. Arif also apprised the Chief Minister that Pak-Indo Friendship Association was jointly founded in 2003 foster a sense of friendship and amity amongst the people of both the Countries. He recalled the Association’s initiative to arrange a visit of India Lawyers’ deputation to Pak Jails for a meeting with Late Mr. Sarabjit Singh. He further said that forum would also ensure to sort out all the issues related to the Welfare of Sikhs living at Panja Sahibe besides the development of Punja Sahib in a planned manner. Mr. Arif was accompanied by Indian Counterpart and President Punjab & Haryana High Court Bar Senior Advocate Dr. Anmol Rattan Sidhu and Advocate Narinder Kumar Suneja. Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. S.K. Sandhu was also present on the occasion.