Pakistan, India in touch to finalise dates for talks

Islamabad, Apr 2 (UNI) Pakistan today said it was in touch with India to finalise dates for commencement of the fifth round of a composite dialogue.

''Pakistan and India are discussing dates for Foreign Secretaries level talks to conclude fourth and initiate fifth round of composite dialogue,'' foreign ministry spokesman Muhammad Sadiq told reporter here.

On the construction of Wullar Barrage by India in Kashmir, he said the issue was on the agenda of the composite dialogue while discussions were taking place on another controversial project Kishan Ganga.

He hoped that the recommendations of a neutral expert on Baglihar dam would be implemented in letter and spirit.

Commenting on National Security Advisor M K Narayanan's accusation that Pakistan was interfering and supporting violent groups in India, Mr Sadiq said Islamabad strictly follows the policy of ''non-interference''.

''Pakistan rejects any pretext which is used to cast shadow on the peace process between the two countries,'' he added.

The spokesperson said a complete list of Indian civil prisoners and fishermen currently held in Pakistan had been provided. There were 53 Indian civil prisoners and 436 fishermen in Pakistani prisons.

According to the list provided by the Indian side, there were 133 Pakistani civil prisoners and 14 fishermen in Indian jails.

The list was based on the date collected by the Indian authorities by 31st of last month.

He said the Judicial Committee on Prisoners will meet in Islamabad later this month to work on the basis of information provided by the two sides.

UNI XC SYU KP2203