INDIA and Pakistan have agreed to relax visa policies for their nationals. It will help people on both sides of the divide to visit the other country without much restriction. Although major issues like Kashmir, Siachen and water between the two neighbours are still unresolved, nevertheless, the relaxed visa regime is a major step towards normalisation of relations between the two.

Interaction between citizens will help remove misunderstandings which will consequently facilitate the resolution of their major longstanding issues.

Pakistan and India share a common heritage. The people of both countries have relatives on either side of the divide. They wish to visit their homelands and relatives living on the other side of the divide.

Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs have their sacred places in both countries. The Indus is a holy river to many Hindus. Katas Raj temple of Chakwal, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most sacred places of Hinduism. Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the central figure of Sikhism, is a city of high historic and religious value and is a popular pilgrimage site for Sikhs.

Gurdwara Panja Sahib is one of the holiest places for Sikhs. Twice a year, Sikhs visit this Gurudwara from all over the world.

Despite massive migration of Hindus on partition, Pakistan is still ranked as the world's fifth largest Hindu population in the world.

Hindus are the second largest ethnic majority in the country. Similarly, Islam is the second most practised religion in India after Hinduism with over 13.5 per cent of the country's population. India's Muslim population is the world’s third largest and the world’s largest Muslim minority population.

Relaxation of the visa policy will not only be helpful to cement relations between the two countries but will also boost tourism which will generate different types of income for the country: business income, wage earning, share earning, rates and levis.

Direct spending by visitors will have a positive impact on business profitability and employment growth. The increase in tourism will increase economic activities, generate employment, create atmosphere for new business besides social and environmental benefits.

However, this is the first step in normalisation of relations between the two countries and without resolution of major long outstanding issues one cannot expect durable peace.

S. SAJJAD Q. ASHRAF Haripur