[5][6] The proposal was placed under official consideration by both countries in 2003 and was supported by the ongoing ceasefire and peace talks between militants and Indian forces as well as Kashmiri people who wanted to visit relatives separated since the 1947–48 war that divided the region.
[1] The official agreement was promulgated on February 16, 2005, when then-Indian Minister of External Affairs K. Natwar Singh visited the then-Pakistani President Pervez Musharaff in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
[1] The Indian official position viewed the bus service as a "humanitarian measure without prejudice" and not affecting the rival policies and stands of the two governments on the Kashmir conflict.
[3] The bus service was officially launched on 7 April 2005 and was flagged-off by the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
[1][3] In India, all citizens would have to apply at the Regional Passport Office in Srinagar, which was the designated authority to evaluate applications, verify identities and issue entry permits.