Underlining that "parliamentarians of the two sides can play an active role on developing understanding," Bokhari, who arrived here today on a four-day visit leading a delegation of six Pakistani parliamentarians, underscored the need for more exchange of visits at parliamentary and other levels.
Speaking to reporters, Bokhari said, "We have come to India with a message of peace and love...We want to have a composite dialogue for the better understanding of our problem."
He said that "continuation of the dialogue process is a step in the right direction".
Asked about the issues to be discussed, Bokhari said, "When it comes to India and Pakistan, everyone knows what the issues are. But the important aspect is we discuss those issues and try to resolve them."
Bokhari is here on the joint invitation of Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari and Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar.
The visit, in continuation of the parliamentary exchanges between the two countries, is aimed at increasing the connection between parliamentarians of both countries.
Bokhari was accompanied by Senators Rubina Khalid, Hari Ram, Abdul Haseeb Khan, Heman Das, Malik Najmul Hassan and Kamran Michael.
The delegation was extended warm welcome at Indra Gandhi International Airport by Members of the Rajya Sabha Taroon Vijay and Prabha Thakor.
Prior to this visit, Speaker of Pakistan's National Assembly Fehmida Mirza has twice visited India in recent years. Similarly, Kumar visited Pakistan in February and November this year.
"These visits not only provided an opportunity for exchange of views but also contribute to creating goodwill," Bokhari was quoted as saying by a statement issued by Pakistan High Commission here.
This visit comes ahead of Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik, who will visit New Delhi on December 11-13 for operationalisation of liberalised visa agreement between the two countries.
