MUSCAT, 20 October 2005 — For the first time in Oman’s history, Pakistanis and Indians here have joined hands to promote a cause, and promote it full-throated, in this case the much-needed aid to the survivors of Pakistan’s worst earthquake.
Pakistan Ambassador Javed Hafiz took the initiative which his Indian counterpart, Ashok Kumar Attri, responded enthusiastically in keeping with a growingly conciliatory mood back in Pakistan and India and a fund-raising cricket match involving the two communities is being organized by Pakistan Social Club (PSC) on Oct.26.The venue will be decided today.
“I was delighted to receive the Pakistani ambassador’s call’’, the Indian envoy told Arab News, as he recalled his role as a senior Foreign Ministry official in New Delhi in helping to resume the suspended cricketing links between the two neighbors.”
Hafiz said the Indian ambassador’s response to an invitation to play a charity cricket was ‘’ warm and instant.’’ He hoped the two communities ‘’would make Oct.26 a memorable day and write a new golden chapter in their relations for a common good.’’
