India to open 8 more pilgrim centres for Pakistanis

Islamabad, India on Tuesday agreed to open eight more religious centres for pilgrims from Pakistan as the two countries discussed several proposals, including easing visa procedures to facilitate friendly exchanges in the fields of art, culture and tourism.

"India has agreed to some of the proposals put forward by Pakistan especially on religious shrines. We have agreed to open up all the eight shrines for religious tourism," Union Secretary for Culture Nina Ranjan told reporters here after holding talks with her Pakistani counterpart Jalil Abbas.

About 1,500 pilgrims from Pakistan visit India every year and the number could almost double with the opening of the new pilgrim centres, she said.

India now allows Pakistani pilgrims to visit five religious centres in the country.

On steps to boost friendly exchanges in the fields of art, culture and tourism, she said a Pakistani film festival could be held in India first to be followed by a joint Pakistani Punjabi film festival.

"We are looking into group tourism. We have given a list of 16 tour operators in India who could help Pakistanis in group tourism," she added.

The two-day second round of Cultural Secretaries-level talks were part of the Composite Dialogue process to normalise relations between the two countries.

The first round was held in August 2004 in New Delhi.

The talks were held in a cordial and frank atmosphere, Ranjan said, adding "we have gone ahead on many issues."