Monday, February 14 2005 12:54 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patiala (Haryana): Union External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh yesterday (Feb 13, 2005) said that he would discuss the prospects of a direct bus service from Amritsar to Nankana Sahib when he visits Pakistan next week.

"The prospect of starting a direct bus service from Amritsar to Nankana Sahib is among the items on my agenda when I visit Pakistan on Feb 15 to holds talks with the Pakistani Government," he told a press conference after inaugurating a Crafts Mela in Patiala.

The Minister said that he would also take up the matter of direct relay of Gurbani Kirtan from Nanakana Sahib on the pattern of Sri Harimandir Sahib, Amritsar.

Lauding the initiative taken by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh in bringing Indian Punjab and Pakistani Punjab together, Singh said the effort would certainly contribute towards consolidation of gains in the on-going peace process.

The recent visit of Pakistani Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi and earlier visit of Amarinder Singh to Pakistan had set in motion the process of goodwill, mutual trust and friendship among Punjabis.

The improved relations between the two countries would result in the resurgence of economic activity on one hand and boost the people-to-people contact on the other, he said.

Singh said he would also visit Kabul and call on President Karzai to further boost the bilateral relations between India and Afghanistan.