Indian minister and legislators meet Shujaat

24 Mar, 2004

Indian Minister for Shipping Shatrughan Sinha, Members of Indian Parliament Balbeer Panj and Rajeev Shukla, Indian industrialists Noneet Talwar and Rajesh Shaw met president of Pakistan Muslim League (PML) Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain here on Tuesday at his residence and discussed with him matters of mutual interests.
Speaking on the occasion, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said the Indian leadership gave the idea of people-to-people contact whereas he had suggested party-to-party relationship between the two countries.
"The world sees the direction of the heads. Today, President General Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee's direction is towards peace and friendship. For the current change and contacts, the credit goes to both the leaders. Both are stepping forward with all sincerity," Shujaat Hussain said.
Indian MP Shatrughan said he agreed with Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain that the governments come and go, so there should be people-to-people contacts and on the basis of political parties to strengthen the friendship.
He said the people-to-people contact was a matter of satisfaction for him and the credit of which goes to President General Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee.
Responding to a question, he said his dream of Zia's time was materialising for peace and he was happy over it. "The proof of my love for Pakistan is that I can drive in Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi," he added.
He said there was a saying in China that first step was the beginning of thousands miles journey, adding that India and Pakistan have started the long journey with hundreds of thousands steps and we should adopt the policy of 'live and let live'.
He agreed that visa restrictions for the people of both sides should be relaxed.
Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain also supported additional visa facilities for the people of both countries.
Senator Tariq Azim, MNAs Kashmala Tariq, Shahnaz Sheikh, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, Chaudhry Salak Hussain and sons of Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain were also present on the occasion.

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