Visit to Valley a confidence building measure: Ex-PoK PM

Srinagar, Sep 18 (PTI) Terming his visit to Kashmir as a
"confidence building measure", former Pakistan-occupied
Kashmir (PoK) Prime Minister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhary Sunday
said he was open to meeting leaders from both sides of the
political spectrum in north Indian state Jammu & Kashmir.
"I have no formal programme (yet) for meeting any leaders
here. However, I am open to meeting any one who wishes to do
so," Chaudhary, who is the highest ranking serving or retired
official from PoK to visit the Valley, told PTI.
"Although it is a private visit, there are no conditions
in my visa (given by Indian High Commission in Islamabad) for
other activities," Chaudhary, who will stay in the Valley for
five days, said.
He said his visit was a "small confidence building
measure" and could lead to bridging the gap between India and
Pakistan.
"I believe that the restrictions on travel between the
two sides (of Kashmir) should be removed and people of the
state be able to travel freely. This will increase the people
to people contact."
Chaudhary, who arrived here on the private visit this
afternoon from New Delhi to attend a marriage ceremony,
expressed hope that his visit will have a positive outcome on
the Indo-Pak relations.
The leader from PoK, which India holds as its integral
part, drove straight to the residence of businessman Zahoor
Ahmad Wattali at Baghat-e-Barzulla to attend the marriage
ceremony of his son Yasir Wattali.
Tariq Shafi, vice president and regional chairman of
Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, has
also arrived in the Valley for the wedding.