Pakistan to allow visit of Indian probe commission- ‘Talks help reduce trust deficit'-30/3/11

Pakistan to allow visit of Indian probe commission
30/3/11
Vinay Kumar

‘Talks help reduce trust deficit'

NEW DELHI: In a positive development on the eve of the meeting of the Prime Ministers, Pakistan on Tuesday agreed, in principle, to allow a Commission from India to visit that country in connection with the investigations into the November 26, 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

Shedding its reluctance in permitting Indian investigators to set foot on its territory for the 26/11 probe, Pakistan expressed its readiness, based upon the principle of comity and reciprocity, to entertain an Indian Commission in connection with the ongoing investigations.

“Modalities and composition in this connection will be worked out through diplomatic channels,” a joint statement issued at the end of the two-day Home/Interior Secretary level talks said here. The two sides agreed to set up a hotline between the Indian Home Secretary and the Interior Secretary of Pakistan to facilitate real time information sharing with respect to terrorist threats.

Cooperation

Similarly, dates for the visit of the Judicial Commission from Pakistan in connection with the Mumbai attack trial will be conveyed by India within four to six weeks. The National Investigation Agency in India and the Federal Investigation Agency of Pakistan will continue to cooperate in the 26/11 investigations, the statement noted.

Updates given

The Indian delegation at the talks was led by Home Secretary Gopal K. Pillai and the Pakistani delegation was headed by Qamar Zaman Chaudhary, Interior Secretary. The two sides took forward the dialogue process on several issues. The Pakistani side provided updates on the ongoing trial and investigation in Pakistan of the terror attacks.

Fighting terror

The statement reiterated the commitment of the two sides to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed the need to bring those responsible for such crimes to justice.

“The meeting was extremely positive. It had moved forward in reducing trust deficit [between the two countries] significantly,'' Mr. Pillai said.