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 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 who led India at the talks said after the meeting that the two countries have moved forward in reducing trust deficit 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. Pakistan side led by the Interior secretay Qamar Zaman Chaudhary 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 joint statement said that 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 for giving a final shape to revision of the bilateral visa agreement. Our correspondent reports that a proposal has been put forth to relax norms for issuance of visa to journalists, businessmen, senior citizens and patients coming for medical treatment.AIR correspondent reports, in the two-day long discussions, the issue of Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Sayed's anti-India statements and activities of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and other terrorist activities in Pakistan were taken up by India and Islamabad assured to take necessary steps to address the concerns.The major gain of the talks is the decision to release prisoners languishing in the jails of the two countries. While Pakistan is expected to release 150 Indian fishermen by 15th of next month, India has promised to release its 29 prisoners as early as possible. New Delhi on its part updated Islamabad about the on-going Samjhautha Express blast case investigation. The forward movement in the two-day discussions has created a conducive backdrop for the summit level meeting between the two Prime Ministers on Wednesday on the sidelines of India-Pakistan cricket match.
News On AIR | March 29, 2011 9:27 PM
Pak agrees to allow Indian Commission to probe 26/11 Mumbai attack case