Indian MPs embark on peace mission to Pakistan

Indian parliament member Kuldip Nayyar is leading the delegation of up to 14 lawmakers from New Delhi, said Kamran Khan, spokesman for the Pakistan-India People's Forum for Peace and Democracy.

Pakistan and India have been at odds since they gained independence from Britain in 1947. They have fought two out of their three wars over the disputed region of Kashmir.

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The two countries imposed diplomatic sanctions and severed travel links after a December 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament, which New Delhi blamed on two Pakistan-based militant groups and Pakistan's spy agency. Pakistan however, denied any involvement.

Pakistan and India recently announced they would restore diplomatic and communication links, raising hopes for peace in the subcontinent.

Khan said the delegation will arrive in the eastern city of Lahore for a weeklong visit after passing by road through the Wagah border crossing.

"The Indian lawmakers are coming to Pakistan in response to Pakistani lawmakers' recent visit to India to promote peace through people-to-people contacts," he said. Several Pakistani parliamentarians went to India in May.

Khan said the delegation will spend three days in Lahore, two days in Islamabad, and two days in the southern city of Karachi before returning home.

"We will continue encouraging Pakistan and India to resolve their disputes through talks and negotiations," he said.

Pakistan and India have not, as yet, set any dates for formal peace talks.