Media can play vital role in improving Indo-Pak ties: Pak min

Kaira made the remarks while addressing a Pakistan-India media conference at the Lahore Press Club.

The media should play a role in creating an environment where the two governments could make decisions in the interest of both countries without facing any pressure, he remarked.

"What we have learnt from past experiences is that both countries should continue the process of strengthening relations and they should not let the ties be derailed or hijacked in case of any untoward incident," he said.

The Pakistan government has given relief to Indian TV channels and India should show flexibility regarding the airing of Pakistani channels, he said.

"Sport activities should be promoted between the two countries to further ease tensions. Relations among countries develop through trade. The economy of both countries is growing and we have to remove barriers like other countries," he added.

Jahangir Badr, the secretary general of the ruling Pakistan People's Party, said the wars fought by India and Pakistan in the past had created many problems.

Peace between the two countries would lead to peace in South Asia, he added.

The negative list regime for trade will come to an end in December as an agreement has been reached by the two sides, Badr said.

"The media can play a vital role in finding solutions to problems instead of merely discussing issues. (Former premier) Benazir Bhutto wanted to create a South Asian parliament like the European Parliament where solutions to problems could be found," he said.

Press Club of India secretary general Anil Anand said both countries should leave behind their history.

"People-to-people contact is important to change the vision of our younger generation," he said.

Chandigarh Press Club president Sukhbir Singh Bajwa said the interaction between the media of the two countries should improve and young media students should be provided opportunities to interact with each other.