Shoaib Malik and his Indian wife Sania Mirza are to be declared as brand ambassadors of Pakistan's population welfare ministry, it was announced here Wednesday.

Population Welfare Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan made the announcement while speaking to reporters here Wednesday before leaving for India on a five-day official visit, during which she will also attend the newly-married couple's wedding reception.

She expressed the hope that the pair would play their role in controlling the high birth rate in both India and Pakistan, Online news agency reported.

Responding to a question, the minister said the marriage of Shoaib and Sania would help to revive the stalled sub- continental peace talks.

She said a 'historical reception' would be accorded to Shoaib and Sania on their arrival in Pakistan.

Speaking about her engagements in India, Awan said she would be meeting Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Sports and Youth Affairs Minister M.S. Gill.

Awan is visiting India at Azad's invitation. 1