Pak-India agree on liberalizing visa regime

NEW DELHI: Indian home minister P Chidambaram Friday said that visa regime between Pakistan and India had already been liberalized and in this regard a Joint Working Group would also meet to explore further ways, Geo News reported.

Talking to reporters in New Delhi, the Indian home minister described the recently concluded India-Pakistan Home Secretary level talks as a ``positive development’’, saying it was one of the many steps to be taken towards resolution of disputes between the two neighbouring countries.

Chidambaram was speaking at his monthly review press conference about his assessment of the two-day talks held in the Capital between Home Secretary G.K. Pillai and Pakistan’s Interior Secretary Chaudhary Qamar Zaman Kaira on March 28-29.

``It is a positive step. It is one among many steps that have to be taken towards resolution of disputes between India and Pakistan," he told reporters.

Mr. Chidambaram also brushed aside apprehensions that the Indian probe team which will visit Pakistan to gather information and evidence in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case will have limited legal jurisdiction. He said that modalities for the team will be worked out taking into account existing laws.

He said that Pakistan has agreed in principle to receive an Indian commission to gather evidence and information in that country in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case.

``Modalities and procedures would have to be worked out. And when we work out the modalities and procedures, you can be rest assured, that I will be mindful of the legal provisions. Obviously I can not send a team without being mindful of legal provisions,’’ he said. He expressed the hope that modalities and procedures would be worked out quickly and the Indian team would be able to travel to Pakistan soon.

In reply to a question on easing visa regime between India and Pakistan, Mr. Chidambaram said that visa regime had already been liberalised considerably. ``In the meanwhile, the joint working group will meet to explore further ways of liberalising visa procedures,’’ he added.

To a question on sharing Samjhauta Express information with Pakistan, Chidambaram said India has exchanged with Pakistan information available up to date.