By IANS
New Delhi : Saying that the destinies of India and Pakistan were linked, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday declared that the two countries must jointly work for peace.
Addressing the All India Congress Committee (AICC) session here, he said it had been India’s consistent effort to improve relations with Pakistan, to promote freer movement of people and to expand business ties.
“I have always believed that the destinies of our two nations are linked,” said Manmohan Singh, who was born in the present day Punjab province in Pakistan.
“Both nations should realise that terrorism and religious fundamentalism are common challenges to both the countries and are dangerous to peace and prosperity in the region.
“Therefore, it is essential that we cooperative to promote peace,” the prime minister said, giving maximum space in his 30-minute speech to Pakistan.
While Manmohan Singh refrained from speaking about the present turmoil in Pakistan, a resolution passed at the Congress meet said the situation in that country “is a matter of grave concern”.
“The situation in Pakistan is a matter of grave concern since anarchy, terrorism and extremism have an immediate effect on us,” the resolution said. “The AICC believes in a stable, peaceful and democratic Pakistan.
“The AICC hopes that the situation in Pakistan will return to normal soon and the India-Pakistan dialogue process can be resumed with full vigour sooner than later.”
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf imposed a state of emergency Nov 3. Since then, hundreds of opposition and rights activists as well as lawyers have been arrested all over the country.