Natwar said the bus services from Srinagar to Muzaffarabad and Amritsar to Lahore and the sacred places, Nankana Sahib and others, would further improve mutual relations between the two countries.
Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said despite the issues existing between India and Pakistan, ways and means are being explored for confidence building and co-operation between the two countries.
He said President Pervez Musharraf is playing a historic role in resolving regional issues through negotiations. He said contacts at public and political levels are also helping understand mutual problems and promoting bilateral co-operation.
He said peoples of India and Pakistan desire an early solution to issues so that due attention could be paid to elimination of backwardness and poverty. A lasting peace in the region would result in further accelerating the pace of social development, he added.
He also welcomed the decision of launching Amritsar to Lahore and Srinagar to Muzaffarabad bus services, and said it would further strengthen public contact and understanding between India and Pakistan.
The Punjab chief minister also hosted a luncheon in honour of Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh and members of his delegation at Chief Minister's House. Pakistan Muslim League (PML) President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, National Security Council (NSC) Secretary Tariq Aziz, Punjab Assembly Speaker Afzal Sahi, Punjab Law and Local Government Minister Muhammad Basharat Raja, Communication and Works Minister Chaudhry Zaheer-ud-din and high-ranking officers were also present.