A 57-member delegation of Pakistan journalists led by Arshad Ansari, President of the Lahore Press Club, with lone woman journalist Farah Waraich, visited the local market during their 24-hour stay in the city.Today was the last day of their week-long tour of Punjab, Himachal, Haryana and Chandigarh.

Local shopkeepers went overboard to extend warm welcome and offered various textile items and jewellery at cost price for the Pakistani brethrens across the border. Overwhelmed by their affection,the Pakistani emptied their pockets. They purchased number of items for their family members, friends and close relations.

Speaking to The Tribune, President of the Lahore Press Club Arshad Ansari describing his visit as historic said they had no words to express the warmth and affection showered by the people from this region. Mr Ansari who became emotional while commenting on the outcome of the visit said unprecedented warmth had brought the journalists across the border together and helped to understand each other’s perception about their countries. The friendship among the journalists had added a new and positive dimension which would help to ease tension and usher in an era of mutual faith and trust and helped the countries move forward.

Commenting on the role of the media including the print and TV channels, Mr Ansari said the journalists had helped to clear many misconception and lent a new direction to the ties after the thaw in relations created by both the governments in 2003. He hoped that the journalists would be writing different columns about their experiences in India and would help to evolve and mould public opinion which will further bring about cordiality in relations between the two neighbours. Bowled over by the true Punjabi hospitality, Mr Ansari said they felt really at home and wish to strengthen ties between the journalists fraternities and hoped that their counterparts would visit Lahore soon.

Lamenting at the delay in getting visas, the President of the Lahore Press Club said that both the governments must take immediate steps to provide easy access to visa as this single gesture would further bring people to people contact more easy.

The local MLA Mr. O. P. Soni, Chairman PSIDC, hosted a dinner for them at a hotel where they enjoyed the Indian music and danced till past midnight. Mr Soni gave them packet of sweets. Earlier, the SGPC honored them with siropas and mementos. They paid their obeisance at Golden Temple this morning and witnessed the daily installation ceremony of the Guru Granth Sahib.

The general secretary of the Amritsar Working Journalists Association Mr Shammi Sareen along with other members presented a model of Golden Temple to Mr Arshad Ansati.

The delegatin also visited Guru Nanak Dev University and were welcomed by Vice-Chancellor, Dr. S.P. Singh, Dean,Academic Affairs, Dr Jai Rup Singh, Registrar, Dr R.S. Bawa, Dean, Students Welfare, Dr R.K. Bedi, Dean College Development Council, DrAmarjit Singh Dua and Director, Public Relations, Mr R.P. Sobti extended a warm reception to them.

The Vice-Chancellor gave them details of the academic programmes being run in various streams. He said that Guru Nanak Dev University in near future would encourage academic and cultural exchange programmes between both the countries and develop harmonious and friendly relations. He said media of both the countries could play a vital role to establish peace and friendly atmosphere between both the countries.