M A I N   N E W S

Indo-Pak aviation talks fail

Islamabad, September 28
The Indian and Pakistani civil aviation officials did not make any headway in their talks to expand air links, by increasing passenger flights between the two countries. A joint statement issued at the conclusion of the two-day talks said both sides agreed to continue discussions.

Ministry of Civil Aviation, Director-General, Satendra Singh and Pakistani Additional Defence Secretary, Muhammad Ashraf Chaudhry headed their delegations at the talks, held as a part of the ongoing peace process.

''In-depth discussions were held on adding more destinations, allowing multiple airlines to operate on different air routes between the two countries, and increasing the frequency of flights,'' said the statement.

It was decided to hold the next meeting at a mutually convenient date.

Indian and Pakistani flag carriers are presently operating passenger flights on the Mumbai-Karachi and Delhi-Lahore routes. The two countries had resumed talks in February 2004 on an eight-point agenda, including, Jammu and Kashmir, peace and security, Siachen glacier, Sir Creek boundary, Wullar barrage, cooperation in counter-terrorism, promotion of friendly exchanges as well as economic and commercial ties. — UNI