10 February 2005	Thursday	30 Zilhaj 1425

LAHORE, Feb 9: Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Rural Engineering Services Minister Kaukab Hameed invites Pakistanis to his state.

"Tourism is a beautiful way of knowing each other. It helps understand and respect each other - the best way to promote friendship," Mr Hameed told Dawn at the Garden Town residence of his cousin on Wednesday.

Indian tourists should also visit places of historical importance in Pakistan. "Like yours, younger generation of India has also no idea about the common heritage we share across the border."

Mr Hameed, who is on a private visit to Pakistan, said the exchange of tourists would help end misunderstandings among the people of the two neighbouring countries.

He said Uttar Pradesh (UP) has a lot to offer to tourists. "Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri are among the monuments on the world heritage list." He said a number of sufis like Hazrat Saleem Chishti rest in peace in the UP.

The magnificent Taj Mahal - the ultimate requiem of love from a great Mughal emperor to his beloved - has recently been opened for tourists' moonlight viewing.

Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar about four centuries ago. "Banaras is the oldest living city in the world with temples and mosques," he said.

A Delhi to Lahore vintage car rally should be held, Mr Hameed proposed and said he would be coming to Pakistan soon on an official visit.