Wednesday, March 30 2005 12:17 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Kashmir remained the "main issue" of contention between India and Pakistan but the two countries should handle other disputes "side by side", former Pakistan Prime Minister Shujaat Hussain said yesterday (Mar 29, 2005).

"Bilateral issues should be handled side by side," Hussain, who is the President of ruling Pakistan Muslim League, said at a reception organised by Confederation Of India Industry (CII) in New Delhi.

However, he hastened to add, "This is not regarding the Kashmir issue, don't get that impression. It (Kashmir) remains the main issue for both the countries."

CII president S K Munjal said that trade between the two countries should be allowed through land routes and called for facilitating easy visas for businessmen of both countries.

Hussain said that except for logistical problems, there was "no reason" why trade should not be allowed through Wagah border.

He also noted the policies of both countries to improve relations had not changed despite change of Government in Delhi "which is a good thing."