M A I N   N E W S

India, Pak exchange lists of N-installations

Islamabad, January 1
In the midst of continuing tensions between India and Pakistan over the issue of cross-border terrorism both countries today exchanged lists of nuclear installations under a special agreement which prohibited them from attacking each other’s nuclear facilities.

Pakistan has handed over its list of nuclear installations to senior Indian diplomat Vikram Misri here today while India handed over its list to a Pakistani diplomat in New Delhi.

Mr Misri said the Pakistani list had been handed to him by the Director of the India Desk at the Pakistan’s Foreign Office here, Mr Aziz Ahmed Khan today.

This was the 11th year in succession when both had exchanged lists ever since the agreement was ratified in 1991.

The agreement, signed in 1998, was aimed at preventing the two sides from attacking the nuclear installations during war to prevent nuke materials from spreading around.

The Pakistan list reportedly contained six installations while India in the past had listed 11 of its nuclear installations.

Under the agreement reached in 1998 both countries annually exchanged fresh lists containing the locations of nuclear installations.

The agreement came under severe test last year when the two countries were poised for a military showdown following the attack on the Parliament in December, 2001. But despite the raising tensions the two complied with the agreement and exchanged the lists.

This year the two countries exchanged the lists under a more relaxed atmosphere as the troops mobilised at the borders were being withdrawn. PTI

Pak blocks writers’ visit

Karachi, January 1
The Authorities have virtually blocked the visit of some well-known Indian literary figures, including Jagan Nath Azad and Qurratul Ain Hyder invited to the 100th anniversary celebrations of the Anjuman Taraqqi-i-Urdu.

The Anjuman’s Pakistan chapter had requested the Interior Ministry to allow the visit of 10 Indian writers, poets and critics. They had filed an application more than 15 days ago, said Dawn quoting a well-placed source.

Anjuman’s office-bearers yesterday received a letter dated December 24 which asked them to furnish, in triplicate and on prescribed visa forms, particulars of the Indian writers and poets. Their photographs and copies of their passports were also demanded.

In addition, the full names, addresses and copies of the national identity cards of sponsors were also attested, the source said. The letter sent by the ministry, a copy of which was obtained by Dawn, was signed by Fazal Hakeem, a section officer. The letter was addressed to Mr Umrao Tariq, the Anjuman’s Deputy Secretary.

According to the source, it was simply not possible for the Anjuman Taraqqi-i-Urdu Pakistan to submit the required material in the limited period before the anniversary celebrations. “Our opening ceremony is scheduled to be held on January 3. This means we have got two days only to gather and submit all the documents required by the ministry. This is simply not possible.” The source said precautions in case of ordinary Indians might be justified. “But red tape in cases involving renowned personalities only damages Pakistan’s reputation. Besides, what threat can academics, writers, poets and critics pose to the national security?”

Because of the red tape, Pakistanis taking part in the Anjuman Taraqqi-i-Urdu’s celebrations will be deprived of papers that were slated to be submitted by luminaries such as Jagan Nath Azad, Qurratul Ain Hyder, Khaliq Anjum and Rashid Hasan Khan, who is considered to be Urdu’s premier researcher. ANI