(a) whether Pakistan has recently given a green signal for a bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad across the Line of Control;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether both the countries have also decided to start rail service between Munnabao and Khokrapar and a new bus service linking Amritsar and Lahore; and
(d) if so, the time by when these services are likely to be started?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E. AHAMED)
(a) to (d): During the recent visit of the External Affairs Minister to Pakistan from February 15-17, 2005, agreements were reached with Pakistan to start bus services between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad, and between Amritsar and Lahore, including to religious places such as Nankana Sahib. Pakistan also agreed to work towards early restoration of Khokrapar- Munnabao rail link. The Srinagar Muzaffarabad bus service is expected to commence on 7 April 2005. Dates for the Amristar-Lahore bus service and the Khokrapar-Munnabao rail link would be finalized in consultation with the Government of Pakistan.