Pak President Zardari leaves Lahore for India

Islamabad, Apr 8(ANI): Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has left Lahore to arrive in India for a day-long trip to Ajmer and to attend a luncheon being hosted in his honour by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

It will be Zardari's first visit to India as Pakistan's president, and will provide a chance to promote bilateral ties between both sides.

Zardari had earlier said he did not expect the issue of Jammat-ud Dawa chief Hafiz Saaed to be the focus of his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

"My stance on Saeed is not different from that of my government. My visit to India is of a religious nature and I do not think Manmohan Singh will make me sit (and discuss only) this issue," Zardari told reporters at the Governor House.

According to diplomatic sources, important bilateral issues, including Jammu Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek, visa liberalisation, trade, water and regional situation could be discussed at the luncheon meeting, which will pave the way for augmenting bilateral ties.

Welcoming Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari's day- long visit to India, Congress party on Saturday said India always wanted to maintain positive and good relations with Pakistan.

"He (Zardari) is coming here on a private visit. India always wanted to maintain positive and good relation with all its neighbors including Pakistan but at the same time wants that no terrorism should be there," Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi said. (ANI)