Dr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha urged the governments of both Pakistan and India to remove all hurdles barring the free cross-border movement of people, goods and information, and should work together to promote co-operation and resolve bilateral disputes through peaceful means. Atwal hosted a dinner last night in the honour of the visiting a 19 member delegation from Pakistan, led by Lt Gen Hamayun Bangash who called on Dr. Atwal, Speaker to have acquaintance of the procedure of passing the budget adopted by the state government. Speaking on the occasion Mr. Atwal said that there was so much in common between the two nations that cultural ties could play an effective role in bringing people together. He laid emphasis on promoting mutual social and cultural relations between the people of the two countries.
Jagannath Paharia, Governor Haryana was also honoured on the occasion. Welcoming the delegation, Mr. Paharia said that such mutual exchange programmes be frequently planned between the two nations.Speaking on the occasion, President of the Indian chapter of the India-Pakistan Soldiers’ Initiative (IPSI) suggested that to get rid of the historical gears that separate the people of the two countries with a view to bridging the communication gap and get over the trust deficit between India and Pakistan.Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Member Parliament, Mr. Mohinder Singh Kaypee, former Member Parliament Mr. Satya Pal Jain, Education Minister Punjab Mr. Sikandar Singh Malluka, senior BJP leader and former Minister Mr. Balramji Das Tondon, Coordinator IPSI Gen. Tej Kaul and senior officers of Punjab government.