Sri Sri Ravi Shankar calls for close ties with Pakistan

Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Wednesday concluded his three-day visit to Pakistan with a call for a closer people-to-people contact with that country.

During his visit, he met people from all walks of Pakistani society, including political leaders and other dignitaries.

“My dream is to see a violence-free Pakistan and I’m sure it is possible,” he said while addressing a gathering in Lahore. He even offered to talk to Taliban to bring peace in Pakistan.

Referring to India-Pakistan relations, the spiritual leader cited the example of France, Germany and Britain living in peace after centuries of enmity and questioned why the South Asian neighbours could not do the same.

In almost all his interactions, the Art of Living founder tried to dispel the notion that majority of Indians are polytheists and hence not compatible with Islamic Pakistan. The spiritual leader also urged the Pakistani people to make space in their lives for meditation, yoga and breathing techniques.

Naeem Zamindar, chairman, Art of Living Foundation, Pakistan said the peace centres at Islamabad and Karachi would work towards fostering harmony among people.

Farooq Sattar of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), after meeting the spiritual leader remarked, “Guruji should come every year and inspire all of us.”

This was Ravi Shankar’s second visit to Pakistan; the first one was in July 2004.