Pak-India talks today

ISLAMABAD (Agencies) Federal Interior Secretary Qamar Zaman Chaudhry said on Sunday that terrorism was not only a threat to Pakistan and India but to the entire region. The interior secretary who will hold talks with his Indian counterpart GK Pillai on March 28-29, declared resumption of Pakistan-India parlays, after two and a half years, as a major breakthrough, and a good omen for harmony and peace in the region. Talking to media at Wagah border, the interior secretary who is among six-member delegation comprising FIA director anti-narcotics and representatives of foreign ministry, has said that the Pakistani delegation carried the message of love and peace for Indian counterparts. The delegation has arrived in New Delhi for the resumption of talks between the two countries. The talks would focus on issues such as combating anti-terrorism and anti-narcotics, besides visa policies and other issues of bilateral interests. While there is strong indication that a date would also be decided for the visit of judicial commissions tour of India as well. Sources informed that the issues to be discussed have already been agreed upon by both sides, while India has also demanded to put forth issues like 'infiltration in Indian-occupied Kashmir, fake currency and 'extradition of perpetrators of Mumbai attacks. The Pakistani official also disclosed that he had received many proposals from Indian higher officials regarding softening of visa restrictions, which would be finalised, as Pakistan always desires softening of visa procedures. He declared anti-narcotics efforts as the second important issue. Talking to media at the Attari-Wagah border, the interior secretary said talks would enhance peaceful relations between the two sides. Such efforts between the two sides would enhance peaceful relations and promote people-to-people contact, Zaman said. He said his meeting with Pillai was aimed at promoting and strengthening peace between the two neighbours. To questions on the agenda before the meeting beginning on Monday, he said all core issues would be discussed in a peaceful atmosphere. About people-to-people contacts between both nations, he said in New Delhi, they would talk about making the travel of the common man easier by relaxing the visa terms. Appreciating the initiative of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in extending invitations to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to watch the World Cup match between the cricket teams of the two countries on Indian soil, Zaman hoped it would create peaceful atmosphere between India and Pakistan. Zaman said he would try his level best to watch the match at Mohali on Wednesday during his official tour in India and wished all success to the Pakistani team. There must be a good game and sportsmanship should prevail all, remarked the interior secretary. When asked about Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Zaman said one should not talk about divisive issues in this hour of goodwill at the border, when talks of friendship are in the air along with a common passion, cricket. Earlier, on his arrival at the Attari border, Zaman was accorded a warm welcome by senior officials in the district and those from the Border Security Force. Although this is the first phase of resumption of talks between two countries, however the analysts and observers were not much encouraged by Indian attitude, while during these interior secretary-level talks, efforts would also be made to allay Indian reservations and concerns regarding 'banned outfits ' and 'terrorist organisations.