An Indian delegation of parliamentarians and journalists on Saturday arrived in Pakistan.
"We are not carrying any official message. We are here to show our brothers and sisters in Pakistan that we are sincere in having peaceĀ we are here to undo the bitterness between Pakistan and India," Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Laloo Prasad Yadav said as the delegation crossed over to Pakistan from Wagah border on a three-day visit to the country.
"We have come here to promote peace," he said, adding, "there is no issue that cannot be settled through dialogue."
The largest ever delegation to visit Pakistan after Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee extended a hand of friendship in April comprises around 20 MPs and ten journalists.
Pakistani officials warmly received them as they entered Pakistan.
During their stay, the delegation is expected to meet President Pervez Musharraf and an array of high profile politicians and social leaders to discuss wide-ranging bilateral issues.
The delegation will also attend a seminar titled 'Parliamentarians, Journalist and Experts Conference on Understanding Confidence Building and Conflict Resolution' organised by South Asia Free Media Association.
Besides Yadav, others in the delegation include Mani Shankar Aiyer (Congress), Balbir Punj (Bharatiya Janata Party) and Ram Vilas Paswan (Lok Janshakti).
"Our visit shows that we want peace," Yadav said. "The two countries must focus on poverty alleviation."
Jethmalani, who is also convenor of Kashmir Committee, said, "They are plenty of solutions to the Kashmir issue. It is up to us to seek possible ways out."
Emphasising on the need for people-to-people contact, Jethmalani said, "While standing on this side of the border, I do not see any difference between people of the two countries."
Press Trust of India
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