Joint Statement,
Second Round of India-Pakistan technical level talks for operationalisation of
Amritsar-Lahore and Amritsar-Nankana Sahib bus services
Date: September 28,
2005
Place: New Delhi, India
September 28, 2005
The second round of the India-Pakistan technical level talks for
operationalisation of the Amritsar-Lahore and Amritsar-Nankana Sahib bus
services was held in New Delhi on 27-28 September 2005. The Indian
delegation was led by Shri Dilip Sinha, Joint Secretary, Ministry of
External Affairs and the Pakistan delegation was led by Mr Mohammad
Abbas, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Communications.
2. The two sides finalised an agreement on the Lahore-Amritsar bus
service. They also discussed the draft agreement / protocol and
technical modalities for the Nankana Sahib –Amritsar bus service
including issues such as designated routes, bus terminals and facilities
for the bus crews. Both sides agreed to hold another round of technical
level talks within one month to finalise the arrangements for starting
the Nankana Sahib-Amritsar bus service at the earliest possible.
3. A trial run of the Lahore-Amritsar bus service by the operators of
the two sides will take place in the second half of October 2005 with a
view to starting the regular bus service in the first half of November
2005.
4. The two sides also explored the possibility of travel by pilgrims
from both countries to holy shrines in India and Pakistan including
Ajmer Sharif.
New Delhi, India
September 28, 2005
