LAHORE, Feb 8: Chief Minister of Indian state Haryana Om Prakash Chautala arrived here on Tuesday on a four-day visit to mainly witness Jashn-i-Baharan celebrations here.

He was welcomed at Wagah by his counterpart Pervaiz Elahi, Punjab Assembly Speaker Afzal Sahi, Lahore Nazim Mian Amer Mahmood, some provincial ministers and senior government officials.

Two smartly dressed children presented bouquets to Mr Chautala as he crossed the border. He had also visited the Punjab on Oct 10 last.

Mr Elahi expressed his happiness over the second visit of Mr Chautala.

Meanwhile, Mr Chautala visited the Racecourse Park in the evening to witness Jashn-i-Baharan being celebrated under the auspices of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA).

He was received by PHA director general Shabbir Ahmad and other officials. Two children presented him bouquets while the officials a sword.

Mr Chautala who took a round of the stalls in the park on a horse-drive carriage said he wanted to witness the celebrations and was happy to have an opportunity for it.

He said such festivals were also held in India whose people shared common language, culture, mores and history with the people of Pakistan. "I, therefore, pray for the friendly relations between them," he said. He also prayed for more people-to-people contact between the two countries and relaxation of visa restrictions.

Later, Mr Chautala also attended a dinner given by Mr Elahi.