Dear Aman ki Asha, The Jang Group is complimented on its initiative on launching "Aman ki asha" A Destination for Peace. Dr. Bhal Chandra Mungekar, Member of peace committee from India has rightly said that "there is no problem that does not have a solution'. There are many problems being faced by citizens of both the countries. A solution has to be found and identified for confidence building.

To begin with the visa should be issued at the border, for the following category of visitors, to enter the country and travel restrictions should be done away with for:

1. People who are over 60 years of age.
2. A family from either country, visiting relatives, identified and supported by documents, such as CNIC, utility bills etc. at the border.
3. A family with hotel reservation and confirm return journey.
4. Visa should not be restricted to only three cities.
5. Both countries may exchange newspapers, periodicals books etc. and exchange of information.
6. Group travel should be encouraged.
7. Students' exchange programmes may be stared. Presently it is very selective.
8. The military drill at the Wagha should be discontinued.

Every country has the right to safeguard its borders. There can be no compromise on security; after all people travel the world. Why should there be restrictions to visit our immediate neighbours? Personalities from both countries should visit each other with a common objective that there should be harmony and peace. This is the only way economic growth can take place. Confrontation does not solve problems. More people from civic bodies should be involved in this process. As it is commodities from both countries like garments, jewellery, books, magazines, cosmetics movies are available 'under the table'. Why should this exchange be allowed in an honest and legal way?

When Indians and Pakistanis can live and work together in UAE, USA, Canada, UK and other countries, what is stopping them to live peacefully as neighbours? Why not give harmony and peace a try to bring stability in the region? I am sure the people of both countries can take care and look after their countries just as anyone else.

We behave like ostriches. By pretending a problem isn't there will not help to solve problems. The European Union is the best example of coexisting. Some of the member countries of the union were worse of enemies in the past. They had different cultures and currencies. Yet they overcame the obstacles in their path and became one. They have done away with imaginary man made boundaries. This was also an observation of one of the first astronauts to go around the world.

Wishing the very best to the organisers of this forum.
Kind Regards,
M K Sufi,
Islamabad Citizens Committee

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

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