Pak businessman in love with Guwahati
Iqbal Bhai of Karachi is so moved by the hospitality and warmth of the people that he wants to visit North-East every year.

THIS was Md Iqbal’s second visit to Guwahati in as many years. This Pakistani businessman has led a delegation to the International Trade Fair in Guwahati for the second consecutive year.

The Karachi-based businessman is a cloth merchant with his business spread across various Pakistani cities and also Dubai. He also deals in lamps and furniture. He runs his business in partnership with Karachi-based Saleem Associates. Good business and the warmth and hospitality that he received Guwahati has moved Iqbal Bhai and he wishes to visit the commercial capital of the North-East every year.

’’In 1993, we were here for the first time and did not know what to expect. But seeing the great business and approach of the people, we have returned this time with better preparation and better stocks,’’ said Md. Iqbal. The new items that the delegation from Pakistan displayed this year  were world famous rosewood furniture of Peshawar. Its intricate craftsmanship, beautiful designs and perfect finish attracted not only the residents of Guwahati, but also people of the North-Eastern states, who came to visit the fair. The other Pakistani item which drew attention was the salt crystal lamps having medicinal qualities. The fittings of these lamps are originally German. These lamps have opened a new chapter in the field of Speleo Therapy. The very dry negative ion-rich atmosphere created by these salt crystal lamps helps clearing bronchial tubes, and also kills bacteria. These lamps herbally help in curing asthama, fever, sleeplessness, lung diseases, liver complaints and also is a sure cure for tension and depression.

The salt crystal lamps were awarded amongst the three best natural products in the recently held Bio Fair in Frankfurt, Germany. While internationally priced at 80 euros or 120 dollars, these were priced at around Rs 1,000 in the fair. Needless to say, these salt crystal lamps were also a great hit in Guwahati Trade fair. Md Iqbal was all praise for both Vajpayee and Musharraf for the improvement in relations between the two countries. He said that whenever a democratically elected government was in power in Pakistan, the relation between the neighbours has improved. He said that the direction in which the ties were moving, soon a day might come when the misunderstanding between the two would be resolved and a new chapter in bilateral ties will be born. Md Iqbal said Pakistan and India must make attempts to broaden trade ties. The recent visit of Pakistani delegation to Delhi recently that included top leaders and  businessmen was a very positive development, he said, adding, “We should meet each other more and more. This will help to reduce the tensions.’’  Infact SAARC could boost greater understanding and trade ties. “If  European countries can come together and have one currency, so can the SAARC countries. India and Pakistan together can become a super power,’’ Md Iqbal noted. Intellectual exchanges and sporting ties could go a long way in developing a strong understanding between the two nations and its people. Being a proud follower of cricket, Md. Iqbal was very excited about the recent cricket series between the two countries.

|  Headlines  |  Editorial   | From Other Publications  |
|  Travel Column   |   News Briefs  |
| OT Main Page | Nena  Home Page  |