Kolkata: Pakistan today (Dec 9, 2003) expressed optimism that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's forthcoming visit to Islamabad for the SAARC (South Asian Association for regional Cooperation) summit would give a further impetus to Indo-Pak confidence-building measures (CBMs).

"We have always wanted peaceful relations between the two countries. We are eagerly looking forward to Prime Minister Vajpayee's visit to Islamabad. We think this will give a further impetus to peace initiatives between the two countries," Pakistan's High Commissioner in India Aziz Ahmed Khan told reporters in Kolkata.

India had already confirmed that Prime Minister Vajpayee would attend the SAARC summit to be held in Islamabad in the first of January.

Responding to a query, the Pakistani envoy reiterated the Islamabad stand that 20 terrorists, wanted by India, were not in Pakistan.

"We have been saying throughout that they are not in Pakistan," Khan said.

New Delhi had earlier sent a list of 20 wanted terrorists, including underworld don and prime accused in Mumbai blasts, Dawood Ibrahim, who were believed to be hiding in Pakistan, and demanded their extradition.

The Pakistani envoy, who is currently on a three-day visit to West Bengal, earlier met Speaker of State Assembly Hasim Abdul Halim and State Industry Minister Nirupam Sen in their Assembly chambers.

Replying to questions, Sen said that a Pakistani business delegation was scheduled to visit India next July and he had requested Khan to ensure that Kolkata was also included in the itinerary of the delegation.

"We have also requested the High Commissioner to ensure that Pakistan continues to participate in the annual trade fair held in the city," Sen said.

A large number of Pakistani businessmen would participate in the annual Industrial India Trade Fair scheduled to be held later this month.

Describing his visit to this city as a private one, Khan said that it was intended to acquaint himself with this part of the country and its leaders. "I have already visited some places in this city. I am particularly impressed with the Victoria Memorial. It is unbelievable."

Khan visited a number of places in the city and was scheduled to meet the West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee tomorrow.

PTI