Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that ordinary people in India and Pakistan want peace and called for restoring cross-border transport links to enable people from both countries to meet and maintain their relationships.
Responding to a question about India-Pakistan relations, Mann said that with the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev approaching, if a formal proposal emerged for his visit to Pakistan or any related matter, an application would be submitted to the Centre for political clearance.
Referring to his family background, the Chief Minister said his maternal grandparents and in-laws had come from Pakistan, adding that he had emotional connections with people living across the border and memories associated with the region.
Mann said people on both sides wanted peace and that mutual understanding and people-to-people contact should be encouraged.
Referring to earlier bus services and the Samjhauta Express, he said such transport links should be restored to give people from both countries an opportunity to meet and maintain their personal and family ties.