CBI, NIA chiefs to be part of Indo-Pak HS-level talks

The forthcoming Indo-Pak home secretary-level talks will for the first time include heads of Central Bureau of Investigation and National Investigation Agency, an organisation formed in the aftermath of 2008 Mumbai attacks.

The talks, which will see inking of a pact on liberalized visa regime between the two countries, will also focus on better cooperation between the two countries in cases relating to terror incidents and taking forward Confidence Building Measures along the Line of Control.

The 12-member delegation, headed by Home Secretary R K Singh, will include CBI Director A P Singh and NIA Chief S C Sinha, official sources said. The talks are scheduled to be held in Islamabad on May 24-25.

NIA is probing the case of blast in Samjhauta Express, the train link between India and Pakistan, in February 2007 that left 68 people dead and scores injured.

CBI is probing various trans-borders cases including the 1993 Bombay blast case and others related to pumping of fake Indian currency notes into India.

The two agencies are also authorised to liaison with Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency on matters related to terrorism and garner evidence for trial in the Mumbai 26/11 attacks case.

During the parleys, which were being held after a delay of five months, a decision on issuance of multiple-entry and reporting-free visas for businessmen, allowing them to visit five cities instead of three as at present, will be taken.

An agreement to liberalise the visa procedures will benefit people of both the countries as it will also exempt elderly people from police reporting, allowing common people from either country to visit three earmarked cities instead of one and extending visa on arrival facility at Wagah border for senior citizens and children.

The Union Cabinet had given its nod for signing the pact on April 25.