SHEIKHUPURA, March 16: Indian Punjab Chief Minister Amrinder Singh said in the Nankana Sahib on Wednesday he was optimistic that ongoing dialogue would help bring two neighbouring countries closer and resolve all outstanding disputes. Mr Singh was speaking at an inauguration ceremony of a duel carriage way between Mananwala and the Nankana Sahib linking the towns with Lahore-Faisalabad road. He said both the countries were suffering because of poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and other problems. The both should make serious efforts to resolve these problems jointly as well as individually to provide relief to their peoples. India and Pakistan should emerge as powerful countries on the world map because it was essential for the two neighbours, Mr Singh said, adding that it could only be possible through promoting peace between the two countries, after resolving all the outstanding disputes amicably.

Mr Singh said he was delighted to be in Pakistan. He said he felt as if he was in his own province and country, adding that he was accorded a warm welcome by the people as he entered Pakistan through Wagah. “I have no words to express my feelings,” he said.

He said although Pakistan and India were emerging as two independent countries on the world map, they had common culture, civilization and traditions. Our hearts were not separated, he said. Even musical themes of Pakistani bands were like those of Indian bands, he added.

Referring to his meeting with President Gen Pervez Musharaf, he said that on his request the president had ordered the release of more than 120 Indians, including fishermen, detained for violating immigration laws.

Similarly, while referring to his meeting with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Wednesday, Mr Singh said that he had requested to Mr Aziz to start a single bus between Amritsar and the Nankana Sahihb on the occasion of coming Besakhi festival, but the premier promised him that 10 buses would be run.

He said the trade between the two countries would be increased which would help boost economies of both the countries and eradicate unemployment. He said it would also help prepare to meet WTO challenges.

Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi, who accompanied his counterpart to the Nankana Sahib, announced that besides Nankana-Mananwala duel carriage way, work on Lahore-Wagah road would soon begin. He said after the completion of these two projects, the 113-km distance between Wagah and the Nankana Sahib would be of two hours. Both these projects would be completed with in two years at an estimated cost of Rs729 million, he said.

He said the two countries had to fight a battle jointly against poverty, adding if the ongoing peace process continued, the day was not far when all disputes, including Kashmir issue, would be resolved amicably.

Both the countries had now reached a critical juncture, and media on both sides could play a positive role in achieving the goals, he said. He announced that the duel carriageway would be called Baba Guru Nanak Road.

PHONE SERVICE: Mobile phone service remained suspended in Sheikhupura for six hours between 10am to 4pm.