Ludhiana: Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today urged the National Governments of India andPakistanto open trade through Hussainiwala border 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 galaxy of industrialists and delegates from India and Pakistan during an interactive session on ‘Punjab-Punjab Cooperation’ organized by Confederation of India Industry (CII) here, the Chief Minister accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, said that the opening of this border 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. Mr. Badal was quite hopeful if hisWest Punjabcounterpart Mian Shahbaz Sharif takes up this issue vigorously with his elder brother and Pakistan Prime Minister Mr. Nawaz Sharif then this distant dream of both the Punjabs could soon turn into reality.  

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 westernPunjabin 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 this border was opened today the borders districts of both the countries would emerge as business hubs thereby opening new vistas of economic activity besides generating tremendous employment potential in the region.

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 Hussainiwala border was also opened. Mr Badal said that apart from promoting economic activity the opening of this 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 this border would result in spurt of economic activity, trade on the both sides of the border.

Batting for relaxation of Visa norms, the Chief Minister said that this should have been done by both the countries in the larger public interest and if it actually happens then you would see the people to drive inLahorefor breakfast and dinner in the evening atAmritsar. He impressed upon Mr. Sharif to further take up the matter withPakistanPM Mian Nawaz Shaif to grant Most Favored Nation (MFN) status toIndiain order to enhance the list of commodities tradable withPakistanthrough ICP. Mr. Badal also pleaded for opening of direct trade with Afganisthan andCentral Asiavia ICP because now it was being done through sea route of Mumbai, which was not financial viable.

The Chief Minister appreciated the initiative taken by the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal for vehemently pursuing the goal to foster goodwill, amity, peace and friendship between people of both the states by intensifying people to people contact. He also lauded efforts of the Co-Chairman of India Agriculture Task Force under India Pakistan joint business forum Mr. Rakesh Bharti Mittal for exploring more avenues of trade inPakistan. Mr. Badal also welcomed the offer given by Mian Shabaz Sharif for signing of Memorandum of Commitment (MoC) with Government of Punjab in the field of mutual interest to promote bilateral trade in the region.       

Going down the memory lane, the Chief Minister recalled his youthful days spent in FC College Lahore and shared his vivid memories with the gathering. Mr. Badal also said that even today he aspires to visitPakistanfor reviving his vibrant memories of college days adding that even today he was very fond of the delicious Pakistani food. In his address, Mian Shahbaz Sharif said that there were certain soft areas where both the states could easily initiate bilateral trade without the intervention of Federal governments ofIndiaandPakistan. He said exchange of ideas, technology through business delegations and progressive farmers does not warrant any approval from Federal governments. Mr. Sharif said his national government was votary of peace and tranquility and was committed to usher an era of goodwill, brotherhood and prosperity through people to people contacts. He said there must be a frequent exchange of cultural and sports delegations so that an atmosphere of mutual trust, love and peace was created thereby dispelling the apprehensions of mistrust and uncertainty.

Earlier the visiting delegation led by Mian Shahbaz Sharif visited the local Fard Kendra, Police Saanjh Kendra and went around the exhibition by thePAUwhere the state government gifted a harvest combine andPAUpresented a Maize dehusker cum Sheller as a token of love and affection on behalf of people ofPunjabto him.