ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India Tuesday agreed on establishing a hotline between their Interior Secretaries and release of civilians and fishermen who have completed their sentence by April 15.A joint statement issued here at the end of the two day talks in New Delhi between Home Secretary of India Shri Gopal K. Pillai and Interior Secretary Qamar Zaman Chaudhary also agreed on continuing to "remain engaged on outstanding issues" by meeting bi-annually.
The meeting, held in a "cordial and friendly atmosphere", also agreed on setting 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 two sides also updated the other on the ongoing investigation on the Mumbai terror attacks and the Samjhautha Express blast.
Pakistan agreed on entertaining a Commission from India with respect to Mumbai Terror Attack investigations.
"Modalities and composition in this connection will be worked out through diplomatic channels," the statement said and added that Pakistan conveyed its readiness, in principle, based upon the principle of comity and reciprocity.
Similarly the dates for the visit of the Judicial Commission from Pakistan in connection with Mumbai attack trial will be conveyed by India within four-six weeks. Both the Indian NIA and Pakistani FIA will continue to cooperate in the Mumbai Terror Attack investigations.
India provided information on the on-going Samjhautha Expressb last case investigation and the two sides agreed that after filing of report in the court, updated information will be shared with the concerned Pakistan authorities.
The meeting between the two interior secretaries was held in pursuance of the decision taken in Thimphu (Bhutan) in February 2011by the two governments to resume the dialogue process and in the backdrop of bilateral meeting between the Home Minister of India and the Interior Minister of Pakistan in Islamabad on June 25.
The two sides also reiterated their commitment to fight terrorism in all forms and manifestations and reaffirmed the need to bring those responsible for such crimes to justice.
Both the sides noted and welcomed the release of prisoners and fishermen by each other since the last round of talks and agreed that they would release by April 15 those civilian prisoners and 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 the sides on July 1.
The two sides also agreed on formally signing the "MoU on Drug Demand Reduction and Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotics Drugs/Psychotropic Substances and Precursor Chemicals and related matters", as finalized, at the next DG level meeting of NCB-ANF in May.
It was decided that Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) will schedule a meeting to workout the technical details of moving forward on issues of, human trafficking, counterfeit currency, cyber crimes and Red Corner Notices (RCNs).
Pakistan and India also agreed to set up a Joint Working Group to examine modalities for streamlining the visa procedure and modalities and for giving a final shape to revision of the Bilateral Visa Agreement.
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