Pakistan and India on Wednesday agreed that fishermen and civilian prisoners, who have completed their prison sentences and have been granted consular access and whose national status has been verified, would be released by June 30.

The Third Round of the Pakistan-India Interior/Home Secretary talks on terrorism and drug trafficking under the Composite Dialogue was held in Islamabad on May 30 and 31, and the two sides issued a joint statement at the conclusion of the two-day talks on Wednesday.

Both sides agreed to exchange lists of civilian prisoners by June 15, 2006 to facilitate consular access by July 31, 2006 and subsequent release, the joint statement said.

They also agreed to the early release of inadvertent crossers, minors, senior citizens and disabled persons, who are not involved in any specific cases.

It was also decided to ensure implementation of an earlier decision arrived at the second round of talks in August 2005 for immediate notification of prisoners.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and re-emphasized the need for effective steps for the complete elimination of the menace.

They agreed on the need to take measures to check human trafficking, Illegal immigration and counterfeit currency.

Source: Xinhua