History should not block path of South Asian peace and stability: Zardari

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has said that history should not block the path of peace and stability in the region, and urged South Asian leaders to work to together for establishing durable peace.

Talking to former Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh, who is currently in Pakistan to launch his book : “Jinnah - India, Partition, Independence,” Zardari said it is time that countries look beyond history and forge a better relationship between them sans mistrust and suspicion.

“It is time to take up the common cause of combating terrorism and poverty which has affected the people of the region most,” The Daily Times quoted Zardari, as saying.

Zardari praised Singh for his book on Jinnah and added that an independent and responsible media could make valuable contributions in both removing misperceptions and bringing the people of the region closer.

Earlier, speaking at the book launch function, which was attended by a galaxy of politicians, historians, journalists and diplomats, Singh said Indian leaders had not only misunderstood Jinnah, but also demonised him.

Comparing Jinnah with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Singh called Jinnah a ’self-made man’, who created a position for himself amidst the privileged ones. (ANI)