The Hind-Pak Dosti Manch of veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar and the Folklore Academy on Thursday urged Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif to put Indo-Pak peace process back on track and immediately order the release of all Indian prisoners lodged in Pakistan jails who were innocent or were involved in minor offences like visa violations.
The India government too would be urged to reciprocate this gesture by releasing all innocent Pakistani prisoners languishing in jails in India, a statement released by the two organisations added.
Pointing out that the peace process was technically still on, the statement also pointed out that it had not moved forward since January this year. "It is your duty to take this process forward. It has to move ahead uninterrupted and must be long-lasting," the statement further added.
It welcomed the swearing-in of Nawaz Sharif as the prime minister of Pakistan, adding that his experience, sincerity and commitment would open a new chapter in the Indo-Pakistan relations.
"The victory of Sharif has given a voice to the people of Pakistan who are expecting enduring and long-lasting peace between the two neighbours…. Like Pakistanis, Indians too have high expectations from you," the statement said.
The two organisations urged Sharif to immediately get the new visa agreement implemented in totality. They also felt that India and Pakistan must sign a 'no arrest policy' on fishermen of both countries who strayed into territorial waters inadvertently.
{{/usCountry}}The two organisations urged Sharif to immediately get the new visa agreement implemented in totality. They also felt that India and Pakistan must sign a 'no arrest policy' on fishermen of both countries who strayed into territorial waters inadvertently.
{{/usCountry}}Besides Nayar, other signitories to the statement included prominent Punjabi journalist Satnam Manak, Ramesh Yadav and others.