Karachi, April 24, 2005 (Agencies)

Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) signed a five-point agreement to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation on joint border issues in the last day of annual meeting here Saturday evening.

The signatories were Director General, Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) General Javaid Zia and Inspector General, Indian Security Force, Punjab Frontier, Shri G.S. Gill. Mr Gill is the head of the Indian delegation.

Both the forces had reached the agreement after various sessions and holding talks on wide range of issues related to Pak-India border with ultimate aim to improve relations between the two neighbouring countries.

The heads of both the teams expressed their satisfaction over the outcome of the detailed talks and vowed to promote mutual understanding and professional cooperation between the two forces.

The salient features included return of inadvertent crossers, check on smuggling of narcotics, early information to other side when a force plans for routine firing practice along international border, both sides would complete the joint verification, repair and maintenance of boundary pillars along international border, status quo would be maintained at disputed land, adjustment of security lights and the modalities for this purpose would be worked out at local commanders' level, arrest and return of fishermen /inadvertent crossers, defence construction.

Both sides have agreed to maintain their stance related to border ground rules and mutually agreed norms. Viewpoint of each other would be respected to maintain peace and tranquility on the borders.