The eight-member delegation of Indian parliamentarians, led by noted journalist Kuldip Nayyar, was given a rousing reception when they arrived in Islamabad after a three-day visit to Lahore.

While the India-Pakistan Forum of Peace and Democracy, which organised their visit held a public reception, Acting President of Pakistan Muhammad Mian Sumorro hosted a dinner in their honour.

During their interaction with the people in Islamabad, the Indian MPs called for liberalisation of the visa regime between the two countries to enable proper use of the proposed restoration of rail, road and air links.

The quick drop in tensions following Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's initiative was an indication of the close and friendly ties between the people of the two counties, Nayyar said.

India wants to solve the Kashmir problem but wanted a climate of peace between the two countries to pursue a negotiated settlement to the vexed issue, he said adding it would come about if Pakistan put an end to cross-border terrorism.

PTI

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