11 February 2005	Friday	01 Muharram 1426

LAHORE, Feb 10: Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala attended a reception hosted by Information Technology Minister Aleem Khan and met a delegation of World Punjabi Congress here on Thursday.

The reception was attended by Punjab Assembly Speaker Afzal Sahi, Deputy Speaker Sardar Shaukat Mazari, cabinet ministers, Lahore Nazim and senior government officials.

Mr Chautala said his province could extend assistance to Punjab in the information technology sector. He said he wanted both the countries develop friendship as they shared common language, history and culture.

Mr Khan stressed the need for cooperation between Pakistan and India in the information technology sector. The cooperation in this sector could open new avenues of economic progress and prosperity in the region, he said.

He said both the countries could learn from each others technical and professional experience in many sectors. They could also ensure better job opportunities for their people through joint planning.

Mr Khan said development of information technology in Haryana, especially in Gurgaon, had set an example for Pakistan. It could become possible due to the leadership of Mr Chautala, he added.

He praised Indian IT industry pioneer Faqir Chand who, during his recent visit to Pakistan, had urged the need for cooperation between the two countries in this sector.

IT Secretary Tariq Bajwa briefed Mr Chautala on the ongoing projects and future planning in the I T sector.

Earlier, during his meeting with the World Punjabi Congress delegation which was led by Fakhar Zaman, Mr Chautala said the body had played a vital role in bringing the people of both the countries closer. He hoped that the relations would further strengthen in future.

Mr Zaman thanked Mr Chautala for organizing international Punjabi congress in his province, inviting him to another such congress in Lahore. Mr Chautala accepted the invitation.