Pakistan and India on Friday agreed in principle to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on co-operation between their anti-narcotics agencies in fighting drug trafficking in the region.
The agreement came after a two-day meeting between the drug officials of the two countries held in Rawalpindi. Major General Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery, Director General Anti-Narcotics Force, headed the Pakistani delegation at the talks while the Indian side was led by K C Verma, Director General Narcotics Control Bureau.
A joint statement issued after the seventh round of director general-level talks said that realising the region's sensitivity to transit-trafficking of drugs, both sides emphasised their deep commitment for forging closer co-operation between their drugs law enforcement agencies.
"To enhance co-operation between the two countries and to give proper direction and substance to this co-operation, a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was discussed and agreed upon in principle," the statement said. The MoU would be signed shortly on a mutually convenient date shortly.
The statement said the talks were held in a cordial atmosphere. "The two sides recognised the efforts of both the countries in fighting drug trafficking and appreciated the need for furthering their efforts through enhanced mutual co-operation," it added. Detailed discussions also took place on drug supply and demand reduction.
"There was convergence of views on issues of mutual concern and the two sides reaffirmed their resolve for regular exchange of information on drug-related issues," the statement said,
The two sides agreed to continue these talks in future as well, the statement said. The leader of the Indian delegation also paid a courtesy call on Minister for Narcotics Control Ghaus Bux Khan Maher.