Saturday, August 20 2005 17:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Notwithstanding its ban on Indian films, Pakistan Government plans to cash in on the popularity of Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai by inviting her to kick-start the next round of polio immunization campaign in the country.

"This year we intend to build up excitement in the next round of polio campaign scheduled for the last week of September by involving two polio ambassadors of the region namely Indian film actress Aishwarya Rai and Pakistan's pop star Jawad Ahmed," Federal Health Minister Mohammad Nasir Khan said.

He said preparations are on to hold two functions, one each in Pakistan and India, involving both stars to send a positive message, highlighting the need for saving children by completely wiping out the virus from the region.

"If successfully translated into reality, the event would boost confidence-building efforts between the two countries," he said asserting health has no color, creed or religion and has a pivotal role to play in bringing the two countries closer, local daily 'Dawn' reported.

The decision to invite the former Miss World, who is extremely popular among Pakistanis, comes after a recent decision by the Pakistan Government to continue the ban on of Indian films and not to permit even the joint productions being planned by Pakistan and Indian film producers despite strong appeals from the local industry.