‘The welcome is overwhelming’

‘‘The welcome is overwhelming and one can feel the bonds of goodwill here’’, said Mr K V Kamath, who was garlanded along with other members of his group. Women in the group were presented with bouquets. He said peace between the two countries could be ensured through commercial relations and ‘‘we would like to see how these can be developed’’.

By 4.30 p.m. on Saturday, 914 people including women and children had crossed the Wagah border from where they were transported to the city by special complimentary buses.

All the visitors who reached Lahore by road or train were tired because of what they said long immigration procedure in their country. But they were as spirited as were the Indian business executives despite the visible weariness and the warm weather. “It took long on our side but we are happy with the arrangements and the warm reception here,” one visitor said.

Some women were seen giving snacks to their young children which they said had bought in view of the expected delay in the completion of the immigration formalities. ‘‘Its beginning of the good relations between the two countries. We hope for improvement in the relations and will fully enjoy the match and our stay in Lahore’’, said Mr Sudhawa from New Delhi, who reached by train.

Raj Kapur of Ludhiana, who was accompanied by his family members, said his ancestors belonged to the Walled City of Lahore. ‘‘I have come to witness the match and to visit my ancestral house’’, he said.

Mr Ashwani, a chartered accountant from Jalandhar, crossed the border with his wife and two daughters. They were excited to come to Lahore for the first time in their life and said both the countries must bury the hatchet and concentrate on the welfare of their peoples.

Mrs Rander, whose family hailed from Sialkot, said there was no difference between the peoples and even weather conditions of Jalandhar and Lahore. “There should be friendship between all people and I find no disparity here.”

(Dawn)