The governments of Pakistan and India should waive visa restriction for the people born before the partition on the other side of the border so that they can frequently visit their birth or ancestral places.
Om Prakash Chautala, Chief Minister of Indian state of Haryana, made this demand while addressing a press conference here on Monday.
While praying for betterment of Indo-Pak relations, he reiterated that both countries must clear their differences and form a bloc, similar to the European Union (EU), in order to counter the developed countries' dominance on South Asian markets.
"In this regard, we should move towards removing visa restrictions and introduce one currency, as has been done by the EU," he said.
In reply to a question, he said that these were his personal views, but removing of visa restrictions and introduction of one currency are federal matters, "and we just can request them" to look into these suggestions. He said that the two Punjab's should make efforts to expedite the peace process.
"I sadly noted that Pakistan intends to import Russian wheat, whereas it could import Indian wheat at a cheaper rate, and this was only possible if trade between the two countries was open. Thus, for mutual benefit, the Indo-Pak trade should increase and that, too, without any obstacles," he added.
Om Prakash averred, "I had come to Pakistan with love and am leaving the country with affection which Pakistanis have bestowed on me. I am also grateful to both the Punjab Governor and the Chief Minister for extending respect and honour."
He said that farmers are the backbone of the economy in Pakistan and in this connection it was heartening to see that Punjab government was making extra efforts for the uplift of farmers and agriculture sector on the whole.
Moreover, it was pleasing to note that Lahore has made tremendous development and Pakistan has joined the ranks of the developed countries.
He said that subcontinent media has played a vital role in removing misunderstandings between Pakistan and India. He invited the journalists of Lahore to visit Haryana as state guests. He also extended an invitation to World Punjabi Congress (WPC) to hold its next conference in Haryana.
WPC Chairman Fakhar Zaman said on the occasion that visa restrictions between the two neighbouring countries must be removed to encourage people-to-people contact. "The Indian delegation's tour of Punjab has been very successful," he added.