A delegation of Indian Parliamentarians visiting Pakistan on Tuesday suggested the creation of a forum of legislators from both countries, easing visa restrictions and resumption of travel links for promoting peace and removing apprehensions and doubts between the neighbours.
The six Indian MPs led by Kuldip Nayyar were given a grand reception by the Pakistani public and members of non-government organisations when they crossed into Pakistan at the Wagha border. They were later taken to Lahore.
Nayyar said the proposed forum would meet in both countries every two months, adding he was optimistic of peace and removal of apprehensions and doubts between India and Pakistan.
He strongly advocated abolishing visa restrictions and running two bus services daily, including daily train services, between the two countries.
He said that the Indian delegation was deeply moved by the reception they got from the common people as also the India-Pakistan Peoples Forum for Peace and Democracy, headed by former Finance Minister Dr Mubashar Hassan, which had invited the MPs.
The Indian delegation included Shahid Siddiqui, Kartar Singh Duggan, Luxman Seth, Pawan Lal and Abdul Rashid Shaheen.
Three more members, K M Khan, Rajiv Shukla and Athwalay, will reach Lahore on Wednesday.
Nayyer said people of the sub-continent are fed up with hostility, malice and hatred and want to live in an environment of more peace and stability.
"People are taking more peace initiatives for resuming talks and establishing better ties between Pakistan and India," Nayyer said adding he was optimistic of forthcoming parleys between the leaders of two countries.
Besides Hassan, members of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, including Asma Jehangir, Ishaq Khan Khawani, Samina Khalid Ghurki, Begum Shakeela Rashid, noted journalist Hussain Naqwi as also legislators and peace activists were present to welcome the Indian lawmakers at the border.
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