This article appeared in 'The News' on 18 May 2006

Ambassador Lodhi inaugurates Pakistan Room at The Oval LONDON: Pakistan's envoy to Britain, Dr Maleeha Lodhi, has said that flexibility and reciprocity should guide the peace process between Pakistan and India. Speaking at a function here attended by former British Prime Minister John Major and the Indian High Commissioner, she acknowledged the role that cricket diplomacy had played in promoting people to people contacts between the two countries, adding that the popular sentiment for peace in both countries was driving the dialogue process between the two nations.

The luncheon was organised by Hyder M Habib of Habib Bank (Zurich) to mark the inauguration of Pakistan and India rooms at the Oval cricket ground and it was attended by several members of Parliament and leading members of the Pakistani and Indian origin business community in London including Sir Anwar Pervez and Sir Gulam Noon.

Dr Lodhi told the audience that the inauguration of Pakistan Room at the Oval which was being celebrated could not have taken place without the generous contributions of Sir Anwar Pervez and Habib Bank, especially the efforts of Mr Kauser Kazmi.

She said that the Oval ground held special significance for Pakistan as it was here in 1954 that the Pakistani cricket team scored its first historic victory over England. Referring to the upcoming tour of England by the Pakistani cricket team she said Pakistan expected to repeat that historic performance.

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