ISLAMABAD, Feb 12: The deputy chairperson of Indian Rajya Sabha, Najma Heptullah, has said after her courtesy call on President Gen Pervez Musharraf, it is hoped that the peace process between India and Pakistan will continue.

She was speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Thursday. She said the goodwill and understanding from both the sides would lead to a brighter future. Being the President of Indian Council for Cultural Relations, she said she informed President Musharraf of its activities.

Ms Najma, who is also President of International Parliamentary Union (IPU), informed the President that the Senate chairman and National Assembly speaker would also be invited to India after elections.

In reply to a question, she said "there is a lot of sincerity by the leadership of both the sides" and hoped that "the dialogue process will help solve the issues confronting the two nations."

In reply to an other question, she said the Congress party fully supported the improving relations between Pakistan and India. She said she would be leaving for Lahore on Friday and leave for India after Basant.

She termed the first ladies summit a success, as it helped greater understanding of the problems faced by the women in the region. She said she had offered her full cooperation to Begum Sehba Musharraf on women issues. She said she was very happy to see democracy flourish in Pakistan and was particularly appreciative of the large number of women parliamentarians. -APP