Thaindian News

By Ravinder Singh Robin

Wagah, Mar 31 (ANI): Pakistan Former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has hailed Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s initiative to bring the two nations closer through the much liked game of cricket.

In an exclusive interview to Asian News International (ANI) at Wagah - Attari land route on his way back to Pakistan after watching the World Cup semi-final clash at Mohali, Qureshi said that if both nations continue the bilateral talks in a friendly atmosphere, he was sure of a positive outcome in the next two to three years.

He, however, urged that both the nations must resume the talks from where they left a couple of years back.Expressing his view point on “People to People” contact, Qureshi said: “I was expecting a lot of number from Pakistan to watch this match, but there wasn’t whereas when I was the foreign minister we have granted more than 5000 visas to the Indian cricket fans.”

He suggested for visa relaxation to strengthen the people to people contact to bridge the gap between two countries.Qureshi hoped that Dr. Singh’s initiative would bring sprit of friendship between the two countries.

Former Pakistani MP Rai Aziz Ullah Khan felt that cricket is the game with emotions of both nations attached.

While giving Indian team best wishes for the final match against Sri Lanka, Khan extended his gratitude for the hospitality that he received in India.

Anticipating more matches to be played between the two nations in near future, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Aijaz Butt said: “Since cricket was most popular game in both countries and regular matches between two countries could help bringing the people of two more closer than ever”.Meanwhile, the Pakistani visitors, who visited India to watch the Mohali encounter were bowled with the hospitality of Punjabis during their stay in India. (ANI)