15 May 2004	Saturday	24 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1425

KARACHI, May 14: The visiting six-member media delegation from South Africa, on Friday expressed the hope that peace process between Indian and Pakistan would continue.

During an interaction at the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs, the delegation members also expressed concern over violence in Karachi during the by-elections.

There was a unanimous understanding that dialogue process would continue between India and Pakistan as there are many moderate elements in the Congress party who would like the two countries to follow the path of reconciliation.

PIIA Chairman Mr Fatehyab Ali Khan briefed the visitors on Pakistan's perception on the Indian poll results. It was observed that Sonia Gandhi's victory was a great lesson for the world, as it was a unique case that a non-Hindu, Catholic Christian, and an adopted person had been chosen to lead over one billion Indians, which reflects the deep-rooted democratic culture in that country.

The South African journalists also discussed the Kashmir issue. They were informed by the PIIA chairman and other research staff that the key to the issue was with New Delhi and that its solution was only possible if India stopped describing Kashmir as its 'integral part' and did away with the relevant clause from its constitution.

Many paradigms with regard to the upcoming Indian government were discussed, especially in the context of the policies the new government in Delhi was expected to adopt vis-a-vis Pakistan and the West.

HIV/Aids issue dominated the discussion from the visitors' side. They informed the audience in detail that much was being done to overcome the menace of AIDS, but they complained it was not getting sufficient coverage. They said that research was underway to control the disease, but it was being affected due to paucity of funds.

The visitors also evinced concern over the recent violence and tense atmosphere in Karachi, especially during by-elections. They showed a keen interest in the politics of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal.

They were informed that violence in the city had reoccurred for a while, though the people at large were against it. The people wanted peace, but there were elements, who were exploiting the situation, they were informed.