ISLAMABAD, Sept 18: Pakistan Muslim League president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain on Sunday said Pakistan and India should resolve their disputes, especially the issue of Kashmir, before launching free trade with each other. Speaking to a group of reporters after hosting a luncheon in honour of visiting a Mombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) delegation at the Punjab House, the PML leader expressed the hope that the two countries would soon become good friends in near future.

He called for resolution of all political issues through dialogue.

Mr Hussain said if Pakistan and India could develop understanding with each other, they would not need any European country to mediate or reconcile with them.

He said that before beginning free trade, Indian and Pakistani businessmen should improve investment climate in their countries.

The PML chief was of the view that India and Pakistan had lagged behind in economic development due to their engagement in other than things of mutual interest.

He expressed the hope that some positive signals had started emanating from the meetings of officials of both the countries, which would help them improve their ties.

Ex-PPP leader and Punjab lawmaker Chaudhry Mushtaq joined the PML on the occasion.

Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Parvaiz Elahi welcomed the new entrant to the party. People were reposing confidence in the policies of the government and making the ruling PML stronger to face future challenges, he added.