Sri Sri Ravi Shankar hopes 'pyar arrives with piyaz' on Indo- Pak ties

Karachi, Mar 15(ANI): Indian spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has expressed hope that 'pyar (love) arrives alongwith piyaz (onions) referring to Indo-Pak ties.

"I wish that pyar (love) also arrived with piyaz (onions). From the other end, I saw trucks with cement. Most of the buildings in India are made of Pakistani cement," he said, adding that when he entered Pakistan from the Wagah border, he saw onion-laden trucks entering Pakistan from India.

He stressed on the need for both Pakistan and India to augment ties because it would be beneficial for both sides.

"They can become the largest economic powers in the world. No country would sell arms to us, incite conflicts or make our people poor," The Express Tribune quoted Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, as saying, who is on a three-day visit to Pakistan.

"There is real love between the masses. But to increase it, there should be an increase in trade, exchange of culture, tourism, and, religious and political dialogue," he added.

He said that Pakistan has not exploited its tourism potential fully and added that the yoga industry has a great potential, citing the example of 29 billion dollars industry in the US.

Shankar stressed on the need for rehabilitation of extremists and criminals.

"In jail, I have taught meditation to 0.3 million people. We are not magicians and don't change people overnight. We just try to help them," he added

Shankar said that his teachings were not class-restricted and poor people could get avail them free of cost.

Shankar is known for his meditation practices and stress-management therapies in many countries and is the founder of the Art of Living Foundation. (ANI)