by Punjabnewswire4u
MOUZAM (FAZILKA), SEPT 12
Punjab
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today urged the National Governments of
India and Pakistan
to open trade through Fazilka and Hussainiwala borders of the state to herald a
new era of economic development in the region besides promoting people to
people contact in the sub continent.
Addressing
a mammoth gathering here today in a function organized to felicitate the
Federal Minister of Pakistan Government Mr Mian Manjur Ahmed Watoo, who was
here to visit his native village, the Chief Minister said that the opening of
these borders was the need of the hour as it would promote trade activities
between both the countries which would be pivotal in the development of both
the eastern and western Punjab. Mr Badal said that he had already taken up this
issue with the Government of India adding that he was hopeful of positive
outcome on the issue He said that the time has come when both these countries
should, as a part of their confidence building measures, remove these physical
barriers thereby allowing the free flow of trade and commercial activity
between both the countries.
The
Chief Minister said that with the inflow of trade and commerce a new era of
prosperity and development would be ushered in the Indian Sub Continent in
general and in both the eastern and western Punjab
in particular. He said that ever since independence the people of border areas
of both the countries have lagged behind during the pace of development as they
have not got their due share in economic development. However Mr Badal said
that if the borders are opened today the borders districts of both the
countries would emerge as business hubs.
The Chief Minister said that with the opening of ICP at Wagah border the
trade activity has already been set up in motion between the both countries but
it would get the much needed fillip only if the Fazilka and Hussainiwala
borders are also opened. Mr Badal said that apart from promoting economic
activity the opening of these borders would also help in further strengthening
the socio-cultural ties amongst the people of both the countries. He said that
the opening of trade activity from these borders is of immense significance for
us because it would open new avenues of trade for our farmers and traders.
Going
down the memory lane the Chief Minister recalled his college days spent in Lahore and shared his
vivid memories with the gathering. Mr Badal also said that even today he
aspires to visit Pakistan
for reviving his vibrant memories of college days adding that even today he was
very fond of the delicious Pakistani food.
In
his emotional address the federal Minister of Pakistan Mr Mian Manjur Ahmed
Watoo expressed gratitude of the Chief Minister for fulfilling his cherished
desire of visiting his ancestral house in the village. Mr Watoo also advocated
the opening of more trade routes within both the Punjabs so that people on the
both the sides of borders could be benefited from it. He said that the matter
was under the active consideration of the Pakistani government adding that
decision on it is likely soon. Terming himself as ‘messenger of love’, the
Pakistani federal Minister said that he would make all out efforts to ensure
that trade between both the countries is boosted.
Earlier
Mr Badal also announced a grant of Rs 8 lakh for upgrading the infrastructure
of Primary school where Pakistani Federal Minister had studied. Later on the
Chief Minister along with Mr Watoo and his family members also paid visit to the
ancestral home of the Pakistani Minister and the Primary Government
School where he had
studied.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet
Minister Mr Surjit Kumar Jiyani and Lok Sabha MP Mr Sher Singh Ghubaya.
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