Date:14/07/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/07/14/stories/2003071404831100.htm

International - India & World

Pak. Islamic scholars to visit India soon

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD JULY 13. A delegation of Pakistani Islamic scholars led by the Jamiate Ulema-I-Islam (JUI) chief, Fazlur Rehman, would soon visit India for interaction with their counterparts and various sections of the society in a bid to promote bilateral relations.

The JUI (Fazlur) Secretary-General and the Deputy Parliamentary Leader of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, Hafiz Hussain Ahmed, told The Hindu that "the basic objective of the visit is to understand each other's viewpoint and emphasise the need for resolution of disputes on a mutual basis''.

Mr. Ahmed said that the need for dialogue has never been greater than now given the sensitive situation and geo-strategic situation. "Iraq is a perfect example. India and Pakistan should not have an opportunity to intervene in the internal matters of both the countries."

He said the Jamiate Ulema-I-Hind, a forum of nationalist Indian Muslims, would host the delegation. Originally the forum chief, Asad Madni, was scheduled to visit Pakistan but he has put off his visit due to ``political reasons''.