India, Pak to set up JSG to check human trafficking

New Delhi, Mar 22 (UNI) India and Pakistan have decided to set up a Joint Study Group (JSG) to decide modalities for future cooperation to check human trafficking, illegal immigration and flow of counterfeit currency.

At the second round of Technical-level talks between the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), it was also agreed to designate an officer each as the nodal point to pursue cooperation between the two federal investigating agencies.

The two-day talks which concluded today, were held after a gap of 17 years following a decision taken at the Home Secretary-level talks between the two countries held here in August last year.

The Indian delegation at the talks was led by Mr Vijay Shanker, Director, CBI, while the FIA side was headed by Mr Tariq Parvez, Director General, FIA.

A spokesman of the External Affairs Ministry said the deliberations were ''constructive'' and held in a cordial atmosphere.

Both sides identified areas of mutual interest and agreed to work out modalities for cooperation.

A decision was also taken to have periodical meetings at short intervals between the Interpol nodal points. All efforts would be made by both sides for expeditious disposal of pending Interpol references.

The two sides agreed that the two agencies would explore possible avenues for professional training and share experience in various fields of criminal investigation.

The CBI Director also accepted an invitation from DG, FIA to visit Pakistan with his team of senior officers by the end of this year.

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