Islamabad, April 16 (IANS) The growing people to people contacts between India and Pakistan would help resolve the Kashmir issue, said Pakistan minister for railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmad Monday.

The people to people contacts would not only bring the two countries closer but also help resolve the lingering dispute, the Online news agency quoted Rashid as saying to a delegation of Hindu pilgrims.

He said the Pakistan government will increase visas for Sikh and Hindu pilgrims and provide better facilities in Thar Express and Samjhauta Express trains.

Rashid said the government had taken tangible steps for the protection of minorities' rights (in Pakistan).