ISLAMABAD, APR 27 (DNA) – Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood has underscored the need for reducing bilateral tensions between India and Pakistan including on the Line of Control, implementing Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) and reviving the structured dialogue process, besides peacefully resolving outstanding disputes between the two countries.

The high commissioner stated this during his official visit to the Indian states of Haryana and Punjab from April 23 to 25, during which he had broad-ranging interaction with state dignitaries, academics, businessmen and representatives of the media, a press release of the Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi received here Friday said.

The High Commissioner also stressed the need for taking steps to promote socio-economic development at the regional level through the vehicle of SAARC.

High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood during his visit called on Haryana’s Chief Minister. Manohar Lal Khattar. The meeting was also attended by the Haryana Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, and other senior officers.

The high commissioner also called on the Chief Minister of Punjab, Capt. Amarinder Singh, and had an extended exchange of views during the luncheon graciously hosted by the latter at the chief minister’s official residence. Other participants included the Punjab Chief Secretary, Chief Principal Secretary, Media Adviser, Director General Police, and other senior officers.

The High Commissioner later visited the Panjab University in Chandigarh for interaction with Vice Chancellor Dr. Arun K. Grover and other Members of the Faculty.

The high commissioner also visited the office of the daily newspaper The Tribune, headquartered in Chandigarh. The Tribune, it may be recalled, was first established in Lahore more than 130 years ago. During these interactions, views were exchanged on myriad aspects of Pakistan-India relations. Among other things, the role of people-to-people contacts — in particular media, academia, sports and the youth — in changing perceptions and creating a conducive environment for sustainable peace and stability was highlighted.

In the context of making progress on humanitarian issues, the High Commissioner underlined the importance of early repatriation of Pakistani prisoners who had completed their sentences. During the course of his visit to Amritsar, High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood had interaction with members of the CII and businessmen associated with Pakistan-India trade.

In these discussions, among other things, the role of visa facilitation for Pakistani businessmen and the need for revival of relevant business and governmental mechanisms for addressing trade-related problems and issues was emphasized. High CommissionerSohail Mahmood also visited the Golden Temple, the holiest Sikh shrine in Amritsar, to pay obeisance.