Manmohan greets Gilani on assuming office

 

ISLAMABAD  ( 2008-03-25 21:07:33 ) : 

Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Tuesday greeted his Pakistani counterpart Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on assuming the office of Prime Minister of Pakistan.
According to foreign office, the Indian Prime Minister in his message to Prime Minister Gilani said, 'I re-affirm the government of India's commitment to strengthening friendship and cooperation with Pakistan."
He said, "We see a stable, prosperous and democratic Pakistan as being in the interest of India and the region."
The Indian Prime Minister said, "There is a strong public sentiment in both our countries in favour of accelerating the peace process and establishing a cooperative framework for our bilateral relations."
"There is a common desire to establish a neighbourhood of peace and progress based on greater linkages between our two people, trust and mutual understanding," said the Indian Prime Minister.
Manmohan in his message to Prime Minister Gilani further said, "Leading personalities of the coalition that will form your government have been strong advocates of friendly ties between our two countries and have made important contributions to the peace process."
He said, "I hope very much that we can build upon the progress already achieved and work expeditiously, though the dialogue process, towards agreed solutions of pending issues."
The Indian Prime Minister said, "We have an opportunity to transform our relationship into a close, cooperative and mutually beneficial partnership that should be normal between neighbours like India and Pakistan. I look forward to working closely with you towards an objective that I am confident you share."

Lahore suicide blast toll climbs to 23

LAHORE: The death toll of Lahore blast has climbed to 23 whereas dozens others have injured in the incident.

According to initial police report 14-kilogram explosive material was used in the device including four-kilogram of ball bearings and other material. The bomber used suicide belt for the attack with explosives laden pockets on both sides of the belt, police said.

It is recalled that in previous suicide attacks explosives were filled in only one side of the belt but this time the evidence shows that the pockets at both sides of the belt were filled with the explosive material.

According to Edhi sources, 26 persons including 22 policemen have been killed in the suicide attack.
More than 70 persons were wounded in the incident and taken to hospitals for medical aid.