RAWALPINDI, Aug 13: Nirmala Deshpande, former Indian legislator and human rights activist, called on President Pervez Musharraf at his residence here on Tuesday evening, says an official press release.

During the meeting, Ms Deshpande conveyed the greetings of the people of India to the president and the people of Pakistan.

She said the people of India held President Musharraf in the highest esteem, and added that the people understood and appreciated that the president was continuously striving for peace in the region. It was high time, she said, the government of India responded to the gesture of friendship being extended by Pervez Musharraf.

The former Indian lawmaker called upon both the countries to strive together for economic development in the region and resolve all issues peacefully.

President Musharraf thanked Ms Deshpande of conveying the appreciation and good wishes of people of India. He expressed the hope that her efforts would bear fruit.