By IRNA,
New Delhi : India and Pakistan on Tuesday reiterated commitment to fight terrorism in all forms.
A joint statement, issued here at the end of the two days Home Secretary level talks, reiterated the commitment of the two sides to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed the need to bring those responsible for such crimes to justice.
‘Pakistan side provided updates on the ongoing trial and investigation in Pakistan on the Mumbai terror attacks.
Pakistan conveyed its readiness, in-principle, based upon the principle of comity and reciprocity, to entertain a Commission from India with respect to Mumbai terror attack investigations,’ the statement said.
Modalities and composition in this connection will be worked out through diplomatic channels, it said.
The dates for the visit of the judicial commission from Pakistan in connection with Mumbai terror attack trial will be conveyed by India within four to six weeks.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in India and Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) will continue to cooperate in the Mumbai terror attack investigations, it said.
The statement said that India provided information on the on-going Samjhautha Express blast case investigation. It was also agreed that after filing of report in the court, updated information will be shared with the concerned Pakistan authorities.
Both sides agreed to set up a Hotline between Home Secretary of India and Interior Secretary of Pakistan to facilitate real time information sharing with respect to terrorist threats.
The joint-statement also listed various areas of cooperation including countering drug and human trafficking, streamlining visa procedure, fake currency, cyber crimes and maritime cooperation.
It was agreed that both sides would release by April 15, 2011 those civilian prisoners or fishermen who have completed their sentence, whose nationality status has been confirmed by the respective Governments and whose travel documents have been received. Complete list of prisoners in each others’ custody will be exchanged by both sides on July 1, 2011.
Both the sides agreed to set-up a joint working group to examine the modalities for streamlining the visa procedure/modalities and for giving a final shape to revision of the bilateral visa agreement, said the statement.
“The meeting was held in pursuance of the decision taken in Thimphu (Bhutan) in February 2011 by the Governments of Pakistan and India, to resume the dialogue process and in the backdrop of Bilateral meeting between the Home Minister of India and the Interior Minister of Pakistan held in Islamabad on June 25-26, 2010.
The meeting was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.
Both sides exchanged views on the decisions taken in the last round of talks held in Islamabad in 2008. It was agreed that it was important for both sides to remain engaged on outstanding issues and henceforth the Home Secretary level Talks would be held bi-annually.
The Interior Secretary of Pakistan invited the Home Secretary of India for the next Home Secretary level Talks in Pakistan. The invitation was accepted by India.
Both sides agreed that the visit of the Interior Minister of Pakistan to India will take place on mutually convenient dates, to be decided through diplomatic channels.”
The Indian delegation was led by Gopal K. Pillai, Home Secretary of India, while the Pakistan delegation was headed by Mr. Qamar Zaman Chaudhary, Interior Secretary of Pakistan, at the two days parleys began here on Monday.
The two days talks held ahead of the meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistan counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani in Mohali where the two leaders will witness Wednesday’s India-Pakistan World Cup cricket semi-final clash.