India, Pak to talk again

India made a new offer for the use of entry permits along with passports instead of visas but Pakistan rejected it insisting on just state subject certificate as travel document, a practice which existed till 1953. This certificate can be issued by local district officials.

A joint press statement issued today stated that ideas were exchanged on all aspects relating to operationalisation of the bus service and both countries agreed to continue discussions at the next meeting to be held at mutually agreed dates.

The talks were held in a ‘‘frank, cordial and constructive’’ atmosphere, officials said.

For India, sources said, passports will have to remain as the basic identity document while the Pakistani side has ruled that out, maintaining that Kashmir is ‘‘disputed territory’’. Further, Pakistan has insisted that the bus must only be restricted to Kashmiris while India is keen that it be open to all citizens.

Islamabad also argued that the entry permit suggested by India was no different from a visa as people would have to travel to respective high commissions in New Delhi or Islamabad for the document.

The Indian side at the talks was led by Alok Rawat, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Roads, Transport and Highways while Jalil Abbas Jilani, Director General (South Asia) in the Pakistan Foreign Office, headed the Pakistani delegation.