Visitors, trade show participants suggest visa-free India-Pak travel.

AMRITSAR: Indian and Pakistani nationals suggested doing away of the visa regime and heavy duties on import-export for the promotion of business and brotherhood between common citizens of both countries while speaking at opening of the trade exposition "Pakistan Show" in Amritsar.

Talking to TOI on Thursday, Pakistani businessman Hamid Akhtar said "Tizaarat jitni bhi ho kam hai, par mohabbat bahut honi chahyee (No matter how much you trade is less but there should be immense love)."

Hamid said with the efforts of both countries, a time had come when such shows were being held in respective countries. "But I dream of a time when Indians could simply drive their vehicles to Lahore and Pakistanis could also visit Amritsar," he said.

He suggested that to achieve that goal, Indian and Pakistani governments would have to do away with the visa regime. Akhtar also suggested that there should not be any duty on import-export of commodities among India and Pakistan. "You will see the huge quantum of trade if it is duty free," he remarked.

Sohail Lashari, president, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), said "During such shows, we shouldn't take up negative issues. Let's first tread on an easier path and then we will resolve our contentious issues too." He said trade was the only option which could bring prosperity in the region.

Jaskaran Singh, a visitor to the expo, said, "Such events help us to understand what is happening across the border. We learn how people talk, wear, trade and behave." He said these days, people could see the products of any country on their computers or laptops, but seeing those physically was a different experience altogether.

Another visitor D P Singh said that it was unfortunate both countries were issuing city specific visas till date. "Why is it so? We should be given visa to visit Pakistan, and it should left on the tourist where one wishes to travel. This approach of city specific visas must end," he remarked.

He also suggested opening visa centres in Amritsar and Lahore to enable interested tourists of both countries to file their applications. "If I have to go on a business trip to Pakistan, I first have to travel to New Delhi couple of times for getting the visa, and then board a train or bus from Amritsar. These are not good practices for a favourable business environment," Singh pointed out.

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com