KARACHI, Nov 9: Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of the Indian State of Bihar, arrived here on Friday with a delegation of ministers, lawmakers and senior officials on a week-long visit to Pakistan.

Mr Kumar, who was received by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and senior members of his cabinet, expressed satisfaction at the thaw in relations between the two countries after suffering a serious setback in the wake of Mumbai terror attacks.

“I am really happy, I must say,” he told reporters at the Quaid-i-Azam International Airport.

“This is a breakthrough and I hope relations between India and Pakistan will improve further.”

He said he could confidently say that people on both sides want peace and improved relations.

Mr Kumar’s visit was announced last month and it was supported by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who expressed the hope the visit would help push forward the dialogue process between the two countries.

The delegation will stay in Pakistan till Nov 16 and will visit Lahore and Islamabad after a two-day stay in Sindh.

In reply to a question about grant of visa to Pakistani cricket fans for the upcoming cricket series between India and Pakistan scheduled next month, Mr Kumar said it was not his area of authority and he would not like to comment on it.

Welcoming the Indian dignitaries, Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah said the visit reflected the benefits of smooth democratic process which could resolve the crisis, which was considered as one of the most serious issues in the world.

Such visits, he said, would promote friendly relations.

“It will boost trust of the two governments and eventually lead to resolution of issues directly linked with the common man on both sides of the border.”