KARACHI  - Prof Ram Punyani, Indian scholar, writer, human rights activist and founder of All India Secular Forum here on Thursday said that true and strong democracy is the only solution of all problems in India and Pakistan.Strong democracy in Pakistan is very much in the interest of India and vice-versa. This will discourage extremism on both sides, he said while addressing Meet-the-Press , at Karachi Press Club.In India as well, democracy has been badly hit by extremism and politics in the name of Hinduism. Certain quarters there, were projecting a wrong picture suggesting that the religious minorities which hardly make only 14 percent of total Indian population are a great risk for Hindus and Hindustan, he regretted.He underlined the need for increased interaction and cooperation among the people of the two neighbouring countries representing all walks of life including trade, industry, culture.He observed that there was visible lack of trust and love on both sides. “We can make a good future by developing trust and understanding between the two nations ,” he asserted.He emphasised that instead of having huge defence budgets, both the countries should spend maximum funds on the people. The spirit of development is, it must be for the masses, he said.The Indian scholar and writer requested media on both the sides to spread message of love, brotherhood and co-existence for the good of the peoples of Pakistan and India, as well as for the progress and development of the entire region. To a question, he said ‘Amn ki Asha’ had brought very good impact in India. The people were thinking very positively about Pakistan.All countries in Asian region must have good relations and practical cooperation with each other. This is very essential for the regional development which is in the supreme interest of all states. “As an Indian, I see great development in India if all Asian states come closer and cooperate,” he argued.Prof Ram Punyani asserted that regional cooperation is must to contain imperial designs harming our solidarity and national interests. He maintained that secularism is not against any religion. It only separates religions from governance of a country. He cited the example of Emperor Aurangzeb who had at least 30 percent Hindu officers in his governance system. Innocent people were being killed in the name of religions. The fact is, he explained, no religion allows killing of a human being.‘Construction projects be completed speedily’: All the construction projects should be completed speedily as well as in accordance with the international standard.This was directed by the Federal Minister for Communications, Dr Arbab Alamgir Khan. A statement on Thursday said that the Minister visited Sukkur and Larkana. The reviewed the Sukkur, Shikarpur and Jacobabad as well as Larkana Package. Arbab Alamgir made it clear that there would be no compromise on the quality and pace of the work.He further pointed out that there was no room for those who are incompetent and neglect their duties.