‘I am here to douse fire not fan flames’, says Bambawala

Islamabad

The new High Commissioner of India to Pakistan, Gotam Bambawala, said that he has come to Pakistan to douse the flames and not fan those with the objective to bring the two countries move in the right direction for resolving the disputes and work for greater peace and stability in the region.

Mr Bambawala was talking to the guests at a 'welcome dinner reception' hosted by famous poetess and human rights activist, Ms Kishwar Naheed at her residence.

The new Indian High Commissioner was of the opinion that despite 'various difficulties' there still was a lot of space and various avenues available to keep pressing to bring the two governments to the dialogue table because that is the only way to resolve the disputes and disagreements.

"You know the meaning of 'Bambawala' is like a water reservoir. So, true to my name I would be working to put off the flames of intolerance, and hostilities and make the grounds conducive to grow the seeds of which will produce plants and flowers of acceptance and improve the relations between the two countries," Gotam Bambawala said in a light mood.

It was more of a literary evening than the one where one would indulge to talk about the strained relations between the two countries, or mention the recent incidents of serious consequences like the arrest of an active agent of the Indian Intelligence agency, 'Research and Analysis Wing' (RAW), or the visit of the Pakistani investigation team to Delhi and Pathankot to find the facts in light of the allegations of involvement of Pakistan-based militants in the attack on Indian air base in Pathankot.

Abbas Tabish, who came from Lahore for the evening, was prominent who rendered some of his poetry on the occasion. The other well known poets and writers who presented their poems and ‘ghazals’ were Shakeel Jazib, Rehman Faris, the host Kishwar Nahid, Ms Sarwat Mohiyuddin, Hassan Abbas Raza and Haris Khalil.

Prominent among the gusts was Ms Khawar Mumtaz, the former chairman of National Women Commission, Hameed Shahid, a critique and story writer, Kamil Bangash of the Mazdoor-Kisan Party (MKP) and Istaqbal Mehdi and Mrs Mariam Mehdi, Mrs Amita Gotam, the wife of the Indian High Commissioner, was also present seemed to be having good discussions with the guests, soaking the cultural, fashion and social information poured out by the female guests around her.

Mr Janish, the First Secretary of the Indian High Commission, who seemed to be accompanying the High Commissioner and his wife, found a few good companions to discuss the matters but treading the grounds very carefully.

It was a very warm reception, which Mr and Mrs Gotam Bambawala seemed to have enjoyed thoroughly. The food was rich and sumptuous and plenty and the guests were not hesitant to go for the second and in some cases even a third serving