LONDON, Jan 2: British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s plans to visit Pakistan and India could play an important role in easing tensions between the two countries, former president Farooq Leghari said on Wednesday.

Leghari said neither the people of India nor those of Pakistan wanted war, but wished for a peaceful end to their dispute over Kashmir.

“I think Tony Blair can be a very good influence in relieving tensions,” Leghari told BBC radio. “(His) visit to Pakistan and India can play a significant role.”

He said Pakistan’s government and people wanted “nothing but peace”. The ex-president added that Blair should urge Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and his government to “back down from their hype on the current situation”.—Reuters