Zardari for huge economic empire by Pakistan, India

Islamabad, Apr 26 (UNI) Widower of slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto and co-chairperson of Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Asif Ali Zardari has underscored the need for establishing an economic zone between the country's southwestern deep sea port Gwadar and the Indian border.

Mr Zardari said this would create huge economic empire and give a cargo train access to Indian markets, a new position, which observers believe was in sharp contrast to Pakistan's stance on Gwadar being projected as a trade and energy corridor among Pakistan, China and Central Asian States.

The co-chairman of PPP, which is a partner in the ruling coalition , while giving an interview to a private TV channel, dilated upon his party's vision for the future.

Regarding the next round of Pakistan-India composite dialogue, Mr Zardari declared, ''We own the last round of composite dialogue, we have given it ownership as a political party and accept it.'' He added, ''We have positive vibes towards Indian policy and it should be carried forward. In fact Mian Sahib (PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif) has gone as far as to say that there should be no visa restrictions between the Indians and Pakistanis and I tend to agree with most of what he says.'' He underlined that Pakistan was closer to half of India.

''We should market ourselves there and sell goods which they are importing from other countries.'' Mr Zardari made it clear that he would pursue this plan and seek permission from the people of Pakistan.

UNI XC PD DS1415