LAHORE, June 12: Parkash Singh Badal, former chief minister of the Indian Punjab, has called for simplifying visa procedure between India and Pakistan. Talking to newsmen after crossing into Pakistan at Wagah on Monday, he said the exchange of parliamentary delegations could act as a confidence building measure.

“This is the first time that Sikh leaders from different walks of life, especially from political and religious fields, have come to Pakistan to take part in religious ceremonies at Gurdwara Dera Sahib,” Badal said.

He said negotiations were the only way to resolve the problems between the two countries.

About 200 Indian Sikh Yatrees along with Nagar Keertan led by Guru Guranth Sahib (holy book) arrived here to attend the 400th death anniversary of Guru Arjun Dev which starts on Tuesday (today).

Nearly 5,000 more Sikh pilgrims on board five special trains will arrive today.—APP