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his is in response to a letter by K.B. Kale, titled “India, Pakistan have to bury hatchet” published in The Jakarta Post on May 27.

What you mention about India and Pakistan working together is so true. I am from Lahore and have traveled to New Delhi from Lahore a few times.

I have also traveled to China from North Pakistan and to tell you the truth I feel so sad because of this political problem between Pakistan and India.

When I am in India I see no difference between the two countries.

In Lahore, there is a deep culture of Sikhs and Hindus, which you can see and that is so amazing and beautiful because it gives color to city like Lahore.

As a Pakistani I feel the same as Indians, as a matter of fact, I even tell others that Pakistanis are Hindustanis because we are from the same culture and need each other to be complete.

I also feel the pain of people who have had to leave this side of Pakistan and have had to travel to the Indian side in 1947. It must have been so devastating for them with all the things they had achieved on this side and done, their birthplaces and the streets they grew up with.

They should be welcome to return to rebuild relationships with these places where they grew up and they should share their stories so this side can see them as who they are.

I truly believe it is time for us to move on and Pakistanis are waiting for the right leader to step up and move the country in the right direction.

The relations with India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, China and Iran are all very important for us all because we are not very different and look at the other aspect: business.

If these countries would collaborate (which will happen eventually) and work together we would develop amazing business. And think of the manpower we would have.

Can you imagine that? So thanks for your letter and I am sure now Pakistanis and Indians are moving forward and things will happen, Inshallah.

I am waiting for the day when we all will be able to travel freely from Thailand to China through India and Pakistan, hassle-free, and I am sure that day is coming soon.