The Hindu : 'Jamali may inaugurate bus service soon'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jun 22, 2003

International

International - India & World

'Jamali may inaugurate bus service soon'

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD June 21. The Pakistan Prime Minister, Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, is likely to inaugurate the bus service between India and Pakistan soon, according to the Pakistani Minister for Culture, Tourism, Sports, Minorities and Youth Affairs, Raees Munir.

Earlier this week, India and Pakistan agreed in principle to resume the bus service suspended since January 1, 2002. Though both sides desire restoration of the bus service twice a week from July 1, there is some ambiguity as to whether the target could be met.

Both sides are yet to sort out the issuance of multiple entry visas to the crew that would be operating the bus services.

Besides there is the bigger question of putting in place the system for issue of visas to people who wish to avail the bus service.

As part of the ``diplomatic sanctions'' after the Parliament attack, India reduced the strength of the mission by 50 per cent and Pakistan followed suit.

The visa sections of both the countries were the worst hit. As part of the series of confidence-building measures (CBMs) from Pakistani side, Mr. Jamali has sought restoration of the mission staff to the original.

However, New Delhi has so far not responded to the proposal.

Presiding over the 70th Annual Meeting of Board of Directors of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) here, the Pakistan Minister said Mr. Jamali was looking forward towards normalisation of relations between India and Pakistan.

He said the Government was looking forward for the new openings in tourism, culture and sports. The delegation sent to India, to finalise details on resumption of bus service had returned with high hopes, he said.

The Ministry of Tourism, he said, was seeking train and air links to be restored following the re-launch of the bus service. Samjohta Express was a major breakthrough and the bus service would pave the way for expanding future prospects in tourism, sports, culture, trade and business.

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