Punjab News/Pakistan delegation on goodwill mission calls on Punjab Governor

Chandigarh, November 26, 2013:   A high level 18 members Pakistan goodwill delegation comprising of retired officers of the Pakistan Armed Forces, led by Lt. Gen. Humayun Bangash (Retd.), who was also President of India Pakistan Soldiers Initiative for peace (IPSI) today called on Punjab Governor and Administrator UT Chandigarh Mr. Shivraj V. Patil at Punjab Raj Bhawan. The Indian side is led by Lt Gen Moti Dar who is the President of IPSI India chapter & Maj Gen Tej Kaul who is the Executive President of IPSI India Chapter. Mani Shankar Aiyar, MP is the current Chairperson of IPSI India.

Extending warm welcome to the delegate members, Patil said that there was a need on both sides to develop a better understanding, clear misperceptions and work together to resolve issues that would bring about stability in the region. He remarked that good neighbourly relations between India and Pakistan were in the interest of the countries as well as for peace, harmony, stability and development in the region.

He said the way of exchanging peoples delegations will certainly help in propagating friendship and goodwill and in strengthening the threads of peace .He said not only the people but the two Governments were also keen to strengthen bilateral relations. He said that durable peace was essential for the stability of the region, which was only possible through a sustainable dialogue process.

Appreciating the initiative for providing such opportunities where by people from both sides can sit together and deliberate on issues of mutual significance, Patil said that this will help in strengthening the bonds of peace and friendship between our two countries. He said the way forward lies in walking together the path of peace, solidarity and mutual understanding. He termed the step a very positive initiative and called for more cooperation and people to people contacts to move forward in future also.

The delegation leaders briefed the Governor about their efforts & contribution to facilitate people to people contact & in building confidence measures for ever lasting peace & brotherhood, as the soldiers have seen both sides of human sufferings. The Governor commended their laudable efforts & said that the soldiers are the best ambassadors of repute to initiate & get involved is such ground level peace efforts as the public has tremendous love & faith in their soldier’s.

India Pakistan Soldier’s Initiative for Peace (IPSI). Chapters of IPSI were set up in India and Pakistan by the late Padma Vibushan Nirmala Deshpande, MP who was the Chairperson of the Initiative in both India & Pakistan when IPSI was set up. “IPSI” is a Gandhian fraternity for a noble national cause. It is a unique & voluntary organization & is praise worthy initiative by retired defense officers. The aims of “IPSI” is to cement bondage of love, peace & brotherhood between India & Pakistan in addition to highlighting & impressing  upon the leadership about the grave danger to development and people of the two countries by escalating war like situation

IPSI has membership of a large number of senior retired defense officers & their families, belonging across India, which constitutes an important segment of our society to enhance public opinion & perception. The organisation carries peace related activities on voluntary & contributory basis for peace efforts with political, economic, business, strategic and military leadership, both in India & Pakistan.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Mr. M.P. Singh, Principal Secretary to Governor, Air Vice & Mrs. Marshal Hamid A Khawaja, Maj Gen & Mrs. M Mansha, Brig & Mrs. Zahid Zaman, Brig KH Nasir, Brig & Mrs. Naeem Ahmad, Brig. Sikander Javed, brig & Mrs. Naveed Mushtag, Col . & Mrs. Shahnawaz, Col. & Mrs. Tahir Kardar and Mrs Shabnam Jahangir along with other officers of Indian and Pakistan Armed Forces.