SHEIKHUPURA, Sept 12: Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala on Sunday visited the shrine of famous Punjabi poet Waris Shah in Jandiala Sher Khan, some 16km away from here.
Laying a floral wreath at the shrine, the CM of Haryana paid rich tribute to the saint, saying that we should follow Dervishes and Bhagats' teachings of love, tranquillity and brotherhood.
He called upon Pakistan and India to fight ignorance, poverty and deprivation instead of spending huge sums on defence. He stressed the need for cordial relations between the two neighbours. All long-standing disputes should be resolved amicably through meaningful and purposeful negotiations, Mr Prakash said.
On its arrival in Jandiala Sher Khan, the Indian delegation was given a warm welcome amidst tight security measures. DPO Shahid Iqbal personally supervised the security arrangements while DSP (Traffic) Wazir Ali Dogar ensured a smooth flow of traffic.
Later, at Waris Shah Complex, singers recited Heer. The CM of Haryana awarded a cash prize to one of them, Khadim Hussain Warsi. District Nazim Chaudhry Tawakal Ullah Virk said in his welcome address that Pakistan and India were twin countries and should settle all issues in a friendly atmosphere.
DCO Tariq Najeeb Najmi, shrine manager Ehsanul Maalik, Ahmad Zia Khan, president of Majlis Waris Shah, MPA Afzal Sultan Dogar, Punjab Arts Council Director Khawaja Tahir Jamil and Tehsil Nazim Mehmoodul Haq were also present on the occasion.
The 46-member delegation then proceeded to Nankana Sahib in Gurdawara Janam Asthan. The delegation is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of World Punjabi Congress of Fakhar Zaman.
KASUR: Mr Prakash attended a reception held in his honour by MPA Haji Rana Sarfraz Ahmad Khan at Gulzar Palace, Phoolnagar, here on Sunday. Speaking on the occasion, he observed that people of Pakistan and India wanted peace and cordial relations based on mutual respect and harmony, and the exchange of delegations of politicians and social figures would help boost friendly ties between the two countries.
Earlier, on his arrival at Gulzar Palace, the Haryana CM was received by MNA Sardar Mohammad Tufail, MPAs Rana Sarfraz and Chaudhry Sibghat Ullah, Tehsil Nazim Pir Mukhtar Ahmad, Naib Nazim (Pattoki) Rana Tanveer Ahmad, officers of various department and the city elite. A band played national songs on the occasion.
MNA Sardar Tufail and MPA Haji Rana Sarfraz Ahmad Khan said on the occasion that the peace process was moving forward and if the leaders continued to take steps with the same confidence they had shown so far they would succeed in resolving all issues including Kashmir. Later, Mr Prakash attended a reception hosted by former provincial minister Rana Mohammad Iqbal Khan.