Jammu: The visiting Pakistani journalists, who received an overwhelming reception on their arrival in Jammu and Kashmir, today (Oct 4, 2004) called on the media fraternity in the two countries to give up their nation-centric attitude and instead work to break the barriers in Indo-Pak relations.

"We are moved by the overwhelming reception given to us in Jammu. We never thought of this. We have no words to express our happiness," Rehana Hakim, editor 'Newsline' told reporters in Jammu.

Rehana, who ignored her knee fracture to be part of the landmark visit, said, "This visit is a dream come true, it was my life's only wish."

The Pakistani journalists stressed that scribes on both sides of the border should raise their journalistic standards to project the "true picture" in Jammu and Kashmir.

"That is the only way to serve the people of two countries and provide them true picture of the happenings on two sides," Hakim said, adding that is why we all are here to see ground reality on this side.

Editor of South Asian Journal, Imtiaz Alam said journalists from the two countries should give up their "nation-centric" attitude and help to create a better environment for Indo-Pak peace initiative.

Alam, who is also editor current affairs, 'The News' said that such exchanges should continue as they can help to bring the people of the two neighbouring countries together.

"Allow us in this noble mission and help us to achieve success. This exchange of journalists in two sides should be a continuous process. This is only possible once you all rise above the nation centric attitude," Alam said.

The team of 19 scribes arrived in Jammu in a special bus escorted by police last night.