Counter terrorism and relaxation of visa rules remained the focus of discussions in the first round of two-day Home Secretary level talks that began in New Delhi on Monday. Official sources said that India's demand of seeking voice samples of the masterminds of Mumbai terror attack also figured in the discussions between the Home Secretary Mr. G.K. Pillai and his Pakistani counterpart Chaudhary Qamar Zaman. Both the Secretaries described the first round as extremely positive and the second round has begun to take forward the discussions. AIR correspondent quoting official sources reports that dismantling of terror camps across the border and progress of Samjhota blasts probe are likely to figure prominently in today’s talks. Handing over Indian Mujahideen terrorists and underworld Don Dawood Ibrahim, who have taken shelter in Pakistan is also high on the agenda besides the demand to check the inflow of fake Indian currency notes. The talks are being held at a time when the Prime Ministers of the two countries are all set to meet on the sidelines of the World Cup cricket semi final match between India and Pakistan at Mohali on Wednesday. While details for the high level meeting are being worked out, a Pakistani Minister has said in Islamabad that Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Geelani could discuss anything on the occasion. Pakistan Information Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan told reporters that the occasion will be used to bridge the communication gap between the two countries. She said, Mr. Geelani believed that the invitation by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to watch the Cricket match is a significant way forward on the diplomatic front. AIR correspondent adds, this is the first structured dialogue between the two countries after the Mumbai terror strike. The composite dialogue with Pakistan was suspended after the terror attacks in Mumbai in November, 2008.
News On AIR | March 29, 2011 2:19 PM
Home Secretaries of India and Pakistan hold second round of talks