Pakistan denies harbouring Dawood

Islamabad, May 31 (UNI) Even as Indian and Pakistani Home Secretaries concluded their two-day talks here today, reports indicated that Islamabad has denied harbouring Dawood Ibrahim, who is among the most wanted criminals in India.

Pakistan's private Geo TV quoted sources as saying that Pakistani officials informed the Indian delegation during the talks that Ibrahim was not a Pakistani national and efforts should be made towards tracing him in India.

The Indian delegation, led by Mr V K Duggal, reportedly raised the issue of continued cross-border infiltration in Kashmir, while his Pakistani counterpart Kamal Shah reciprocated by accusations that the Indian consulates in Afghanistan were abetting terrorism in Balochistan, said local media reports.

In their joint press conference, the two officials said the issue of terrorism did come under discussion.

Mr Duggal said the issue of cross-border infiltration was discussed.

The joint statement issued after the talks said, ''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 this menace.'' It added that the two countries also underlined the need to pursue effective and sustained action against the terrorists.

Meanwhile, the Dawn newspaper claimed that Pakistan and India also exchanged lists of people wanted for their involvement in different crimes.

The paper quoted official sources as saying that the exchange of lists had not been on the agenda of the meeting which is to tackle issues of human smuggling, exchange of civilian prisoners, narcotics and terrorism.

Mr Shah and Mr Duggal reportedly swapped the lists on the sidelines of the meeting.

Pakistan seeks custody of 58 accused, including most wanted criminal Javed Langra, believed to be hiding in India.

The Indian list comprises 38 men, including Hafiz Saeed, Azhar Masood and Dawood Ibrahim.

The two sides, according to the paper, also discussed the issue of an extradition treaty.

The Indian Home Secretary also sought extradition of the five men involved in the 1999 Kandahar hijacking.

The sources said Pakistan rejected India's claim that Dawood Ibrahim was living in Karachi. Pakistani authorities conveyed to the Indians that they had no information on Dawood's whereabouts.

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