The Chief Minister of Pakistan Punjab, Pervaiz Elahi, today introduced a note of reality to the euphoria surrounding the World Punjabi Conference, saying that the Wagah border could be breached only after the two central governments resolve the Kashmir issue.Addressing the captains of industry at the CII regional headquarters here this morning, Elahi — who called his trip mohabbat ka safar (a journey of affection) — said there was no moving forward on the road to peace unless the Kashmir issue was solved amicably.Elahi referred to the peace proposals floated by Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf, and said it was now India’s turn to reciprocate.Elahi also underlined the need for a fair balance of trade. ‘‘It should be a win-win situation for both the countries,’’ he emphasised, the sub-text being that Pakistan’s exports should match India’s.The session on Indo-Pak trade ties started more than an hour late, as Capt Amarinder Singh arrived almost an hour-and-a-half late, along with Elahi, the guest of honour.The session started with CII’s Rakesh Bharti Mittal welcoming the guests in Punjabi. Elahi and Singh both called the language a great unifier.Speaking in chaste Punjabi, Amarinder made a robust pitch for bringing down the Wagah barrier. ‘‘If Berlin Wall can fall, why can’t this barrier,’’ he said, adding that people on both sides are keen for a union.‘‘We didn’t ask them to arrange Elahi’s welcome, it was a spontaneous outpouring of love,’’ he said, before citing a parallel from the Foord street in Lahore. ‘‘Some youngsters I met there said they’d heard a lot about the Amritsari fish, and if it weren’t for the border they would love to dine there.’’Later, the two CMs promised to work jointly on research projects in the field of agriculture.
