Shunning 'anti-India sentiments' must for Pak to grow as a democracy: Pak historian

Lahore, Aug 14(ANI): Eminent Pakistani historian Dr. Mubarak Ali reckons that Pakistan needs to abandon its 'anti-India sentiments' if the country wants to progress as a democratic power.

Dr. Ali said this during a seminar titled 'Pakistan in a South Asian Context' organised by the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) in Lahore.

"So far Pakistan's policies had been based on religion and anti-India sentiments. If people want a democratic Pakistan, they would have to think logically," The Daily Times quoted Dr. Ali, as saying.

SAFMA India President Vinod Sharma said that the mindsets would automatically change when the two countries have mutual economic interests.

"We might not have any legendary philosophers to help change our mindsets, but we don't need any since open trade is enough," Sharma said.

He further said that ultra-nationalists in India and Pakistan were not allowing the two countries to initiate peace talks.

Meanwhile, SAFMA Secretary General Imtaiz Alam said that the border between the two neighbours should be opened to allow India to provide relief assistance for the flood-affected people in Pakistan.(ANI)