Indo-Pak talks on Terrorism and Drug Trafficking to begin tomorrow
NEW DELHI, Aug 28 (APP): With Pakistan, intending to raise the issue of Pakistani prisoners languishing in Indian jails,
two day Indo-Pak talks on Terrorism and Drug Trafficking will begin here tomorrow. Pakistan's side will be led by
Secretary (Interior) Syed Kamal Shah, who is leading an eleven-member delegation at the parleys. While Indian delegation
will be headed by Home Secretary V K Duggal. Earlier on his arrival here yesterday, Kamal Shah said that he had come
with a "very positive mind" to attend the talks on Terrorism and Drug Trafficking within the framework of Composite
Dialogue.
"We will also try to meet Pakistani prisoners in Indian Jails during the stay", he told APP's Special Correspondent
adding "it will be our effort to ensure their earliest release". In response to a question, Kamal Shah said Pakistani
side wants to propose to India that innocent citizens who commit minor visa violations or cross the border inadvertently
being unaware of the laws, are released by both the sides within a couple of days after necessary verification and
investigation. Expressing identical sentiments, Indian Home Secretary V K Duggal said "given the current climate (in
Indo-Pak ties), India is very hopeful that the talks will be very positive."
Leader of Pakistan's delegation said "usually the agenda (of Indo-Pak Home Secretary level talks) is terrorism and drug
trafficking" but the issue of Pakistani prisoners, both civilian and fishermen languishing in Indian jails, he expressed
would be raised at the talks as Indian prisoners are also in Pakistani jails. To a question, the Interior Secretary
said, "we hope and we are confident that it will be a positive meeting. It will be useful to both the countries and
their people", he added.
Duggal also voiced the hope that both sides would move forward on all issues pertaining to terrorism and narcotics
control. "I am looking forward to the two-day talks", he added. The progress made at the previous round of talks on
Terrorism and Drug Trafficking, held in August last in Islamabad will also be reviewed, he said adding, a Joint
Statement is likely to be issued at the conclusion of the parleys.