Islamabad: Pakistan has in principle agreed to restore rail and air links with India and its flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will start operating flights to Delhi and Mumbai soon after the decision is finalised.

Tourism Minister Rais Munir said train links between the two countries would be restored in August.

"All arrangements have been finalised for resumption of train link. The Samjhauta Express will start operation from next month," Munir was quoted as saying by 'Online News'.

Chairman of Pakistan's flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines Ahmed Saeed said a decision has been taken in principle for reopening of Pakistan air-links for each other.

"As soon as the decision is implemented, PIA will resume its operation to Delhi and Mumbai," Pakistan's official news agency APP quoted Saeed as saying.

India severed all air, road and rail links with Pakistan after the terrorist attack on Parliament on December 13, 2000. The Delhi-Lahore bus service was resumed on July 11.

Munir said Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali has also sent a proposal to India for resuming the suspended air links between the two countries after establishment of bilateral road and rail contacts.

"Tourism is one way of establishing people to people contacts in both countries," Munir said adding youths and sportspersons could play a significant role in resolving all outstanding issues between Islamabad and New Delhi.

PTI