I too have a vision regarding India and Pakistan: PM

Amritsar, Dec 20: Close on the heels of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's statement that the country had never claimed Kashmir as its integral part, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said he too had a vision regarding both India and Pakistan.

Welcoming ''all ideas'' contributing to the ongoing efforts for better India-Pakistan ties at a public meeting here, Dr Singh, however, sought an atmosphere of trust between both the nations.

''I earnestly hope that the relations between us become so friendly and that we generate such an atmosphere of trust with each other that the two nations would be able to agree on a Treaty of Peace, Security and Friendship,'' he said.

Dr Singh said he had talked about such a treaty from this same place, bordering Pakistan, earlier as well. He said he was sure that all the hurdles in the path could be overcome and such a treaty would be realised.

He also pointed out the need for both the neighbours to realise a collective destiny.

The Indian government has been trying its best to establish an atmosphere of peace with Pakistan and improve the bilateral ties, the Prime Minister said.

He reiterated that the much talked about peaceful atmosphere could benefit both the nations in trade and in improving the lives of the people on both sides of the border regions.

Dr Singh also expressed hope that the Indo Pak trade could get a boost with the opening of the Wagah border near here. ''I am confident that if we continue on this path of peace, then Amritsar can once again regain its glory as a major centre of trade and commerce''. ''I believe that this is possible and we will make it happen.

This is not a dream, it can be a reality,'' he added.

The Prime Minister pointed out the various bus services started between the two countries, the benefits of which had accrued to the people of Punjab as well. ''Bus services continue between Amritsar and Lahore and Amritsar and Nankana Sahib.'' The movement of trucks between the two countries has also become simpler and this has greatly facilitated the easy movement of people and goods.

''Trade has increased and Amritsar has benefited'', he added.

Taking a religious tone, Dr Singh said, ''Every Sikh while saying his morning prayer, wish and find hope that they (Sikhs) should once again have easy access to those religious places which are now in Pakistan.

The UPA government, he said, has been working hard and making every possible effort to make this wish of the Sikhs a reality, he added.

UNI