NEW DELHI, June 22: India is expected to press Islamabad next week to lift a ban on Indian TV channels and allow distribution of Indian movies in Pakistan, Press Trust of India said on Friday.

It said top officials of the culture ministries of both sides due to meet in Islamabad for two days from June 28 are also expected to discuss the promised liberalisation of visa regimes and promotion of tourism, particularly to pilgrim sites.

Visas for Indian artistes wishing to perform in Pakistan are also expected to be taken up by the Indian side, PTI said.

The Indian side headed by Culture Secretary Badal K. Das is expected to press Pakistan to lift the ban on TV channels and allow distribution of Indian movies, sources said.

To encourage bilateral tourism, New Delhi has suggested undertaking cross-border package tours. According to this proposal, selected tour operators could be assigned to undertake these visits. “Among other matters likely to figure is exchange of information on research work on medicinal plants,” PTI said.