New Delhi, May 31
India and Pakistan today made another forward movement in their bilateral relations when they agreed to release by June 30 each other’s fishermen who have completed their prison sentences and have been granted consular access and whose national status has been verified.
On the ticklish issue of civilian prisoners, the two countries agreed to exchange lists of prisoners by June 15 to facilitate consular access by July 31 and subsequent release.
Another positive development was the agreement to the early finalisation and signing of an MoU between narcotics control agencies of the two countries.
The two sides also “agreed” on the need to take measures to check human trafficking, illegal immigration and counterfeit currency.
These decisions were taken at the third round of Indo-Pakistan Home Secretary talks on terrorism and drugs trafficking under the composite dialogue. The two-day talks concluded in Islamabad today. The Pakistan delegation was led by Syed Kamal Shah and the Indian by Mr V.K. Duggal.
The two countries also agreed to the early release of inadvertent crossers, minors, senior citizens and disabled persons who are not involved in any specific cases, a joint statement released from Islamabad said.
“Both sides reiterated the commitment to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
