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The
Third Round of the Pakistan-India Interior/ Home
Secretary talks on Terrorism and Drugs Trafficking
under the Composite Dialogue was held in Islamabad
on 30-31 May 2006. The Pakistan delegation was led
by Syed Kamal Shah, Secretary Ministry of Interior,
Government of Pakistan, and the Indian delegation
was headed by Mr. V. K. Duggal, Home Secretary,
Government of India.
2. The talks were held in a frank, candid and
cordial atmosphere.
3. Both sides reiterated their commitment to fight
terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and
re-emphasized the need for effective steps for the
complete elimination of this menace. They also
underlined the need to pursue effective and
sustained action against the terrorists.
4.
Both sides welcomed the release of fishermen by each
other on the eve of these talks. They also agreed to
release the remaining fishermen by 30 June 2006.
5. Both sides agreed that fishermen and civilian
prisoners, who have completed their prison sentences
and have been granted consular access and whose
national status has been verified, would be released
by 30 June 2006. In addition, they also agreed to
exchange lists of civilian prisoners by 15 June 2006
to facilitate consular access by 31 July 2006 and
subsequent release. They also agreed to the early
release of inadvertent crossers, minors, senior
citizens and disabled persons, who are not involved
in any specific cases.
6. It was also decided to ensure implementation of
an earlier decision arrived at the second round of
talks in August 2005 for immediate notification of
prisoners, grant of consular access within three
months, and immediate repatriation on confirmation
of national status/completion of sentence. Both also
agreed on the need to ensure humane treatment of
prisoners.
7.
Both sides noted with satisfaction the exchange of
information between the Anti Narcotics Force of
Pakistan and Narcotics Control Bureau of India. In
this regard, they agreed to the early finalization
and signing of the MoU between the narcotics control
agencies of the two countries.
8. Both sides appreciated the progress made at the
meeting between the Federal Investigation Agency of
Pakistan and the Central Bureau of Investigation of
India in March, 2006. They agreed on the need to
take measures to check human trafficking, illegal
immigration and counterfeit currency.
9. The two sides agreed to continue discussions
within the framework of the Composite Dialogue.
10. The Home Secretary of India and members of his
delegation paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Aftab
Ahmad Khan Sherpao, Minister for Interior,
Government of Pakistan.
May 31, 2006
Islamabad |
