Joint group for coop in tackling crime in India, Pakistan

New Delhi, Mar 22 (UNI) Officials of the internal investigation agencies of India and Pakistan today agreed to set up a 'Joint Study Group' to decide modalities on future cooperation in human trafficking, counterfeit currency and illegal immigration.

Disclosing that discussions on Dawood Ibrahim also came up during the two-day talks between the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) of Pakistan and the Central Bureau of Investigation, Director Vijay Shankar said all issues concerning crime and criminals were talked over.

''Both the sides have commonality on these issues,'' and promise to ensure that criminals from both countries ''have no respite'', Mr Shankar, who was flanked by FIA director Tariq Parvez, told mediapersons after the second joint meeting of the CBI and FIA, held after 17 years.

And to speed up the process, it was also agreed that one 'Nodal Officer' each in Delhi and Islamabad would be designated to pursue cooperation between the CBI and FIA, while sharing experience in various fields of criminal investigation, he said.

''All efforts will be made by both sides for expeditious disposal of pending Interpol references and for this periodical meetings between the Interpol nodal points would be held at short intervals.'' Besides this, both agencies have also identified areas of mutual interest and agreed to work out modalities of cooperation while exploring avenues of professional training, Mr Shankar added at the end of 'constructive deliberations' held in a 'cordial atmosphere'.

FIA director Tariq Parvez, on his part, said the meeting was the result of the composite dialogue process being held between India and Pakistan.

''The most important thing was the positive attitude adopted by both sides during the two-day technical level talks, which was crucial for the success of the parleys.'' The decisions ''we have taken'' will set in motion a meaningful and constructive phase which would help both sides in law enforcement, he added.

As a reciprocal gesture, the CBI director would visit Pakistan, along with a team of senior officials, by year-end.

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