March 29, 2011 6:11 PM

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Indo-Pak joint statement reiterates commitment to fight terrorism in all forms

Pakistan has agreed to allow an Indian commission to visit that country in connection with 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case probe. A joint statement issued at the end of the two-day meeting of Home Secretaries in New Delhi reiterated the commitment of the two sides to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It also reaffirmed the need to bring those responsible for such crimes to justice.Home Secretary Gopal K Pillai said after the meeting that it had moved forward in reducing trust deficit between the two countries significantly. The joint-statement listed various areas of cooperation including countering drug and human trafficking, streamlining visa procedure, fake currency, cyber crimes and maritime cooperation.The statement said, Pakistan side provided updates on the ongoing trial and investigation in Pakistan on the Mumbai terror attacks. 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 statement said, the National Investigation Agency in India and Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency will continue to cooperate in the Mumbai terror attack investigations.On the issue of providing to India the voice samples of alleged masterminds of the attack, sources said Pakistan officials have said that a lower court had rejected their case in this regard. An appeal has been filed with the High Court and a positive outcome is expected. The joint statement said both the sides agreed to set-up a joint working group to examine the modalities for streamlining the visa procedure and modalities and for giving a final shape to revision of the bilateral visa agreement.Official sources said a proposal has been put forth to relax norms for issuance of visa to journalists, businessmen, senior citizens and patients coming for medical treatment.Under the proposal, the visa issued for journalists, businessmen, senior citizen or patients travelling for treatment will not be city specific and visa holders would be allowed to travel across the country.The Indian side also proposed to relax norms for people who have a valid visa and want to travel again within the span of two years by removing time-consuming security background check process which is done from here. The Indian High Commission in Pakistan will be empowered to issue necessary permissions to such travellers.The talks which were led by Pillai from Indian side and Qamar Zaman Chaudhary, Interior Secretary of Pakistan, also decided to set-up a Hotline between the two Home Secretaries to facilitate real time information sharing with respect to terrorist threats.Pakistan also invited Indian Home Secretary for next round of talks which has been accepted.The delegations also exchanged views on the decisions taken in the last round of Talks held in Islamabad in 2008.During the talks, India updated Pakistan with information on the on-going Samjhautha Express blast case investigation. Both sides shared concerns on the illicit drug trafficking and agreed to hold talks between DG, Narcotics Control Bureau and DG, ANF of Pakistan annually to control the menace. India accepted the invitation for DG NCB to visit Pakistan in May 2011 for talks with DG, ANF.It was agreed all the prisoners and fishermen who have completed their sentences in respective countries will be released on April 15 this year. A complete list of all the prisoners serving in each others' custody will be exchanged by both sides on July 1, 2011.AIR correspondent reports that the positive outcomes of the talks have led to a positive backdrop for the Indo-Pak Prime Ministerial meeting in Mohali on Wednesday.

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