KARACHI: Interior Minister Rehman Malik said visa accord will strengthen Pak-India relations which would benefit peoples of the two countries.

Talking to journalists at Karachi Airport on his arrival from Islamabad on Sunday night, he said an Indian visa office should be opened in the metropolis to facilitate Karachiites, adding that he has spoken in this regard.

He further said Karachi-Mumbai ferry service, Khokhrapar rail service and raising the number of flights between the two countries figured in talks with Indian officials.

The minister said that Indian fishermen have been released unconditionally as a goodwill gesture.

About the Sindh People's Local Government Ordinance (SPLGO), he said local bodies are a provincial matter, and after provincial autonomy other people should not interfere in provincial matters.

He said the mandate of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in Sindh should be respected.

Over differences on SPLGO between coalition partners, he said difference    of opinion is the beauty of democracy as it encourages debate which brings improvement.

Malik said that those making criticism should wait for general elections which will be held on time. He said people will elect their representatives and our performance is before the people.

The Interior Minister said that law and order situation in Karachi has improved, adding that wherever there will be criminal elements, action will be taken against them without any discrimination.