Pakistan's High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit on Wednesday said both India and Pakistan must move from conflict management to conflict resolution. He said Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had a vision for peace and development for South Asia and this vision could be achieved sooner rather than later through collective efforts, said a message received here from New Delhi.
Interacting with Bangalore based eminent think-tanks Bangalore International Centre and Takshashila Institution, he said that South Asia was the least integrated region of the world. This called for a serious reflection and course correction. He said cosmopolitan cities like Bangalore which has become an IT hub can play an important role in creating synergies in multiple economic and social sectors. He expressed the hope that Bangalore would reach out to Pakistan's cities with a view to create win-win situation.
Speaking about Jammu and Kashmir, the High Commissioner said when it comes to Kashmir there is no back burner. If history is any guide the dispute must be addressed upfront for a lasting peace in the region, he added. He said there are countless opportunities between Pakistan and India. Abdul Basit said under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Pakistan was moving ahead with confidence. Ramachandran Guha, Aakar Patel, Narayan Ramchandra, PR Dasgupta and Nitin Pai welcomed the High Commissioner and also spoke on the occasion. A large number of scholars, foreign policy experts and writers attended the event.