Lahore, Oct 17 : At the bi-annual meeting between India’s Border Security Force (BSF) Pakistani Rangers officials here last evening, the two countries decided to conduct joint patrols along the border to curb smuggling.

Both sides also agreed to eliminate smuggling and drug trafficking and to counter the problem firmly. Besides, they decided to provide early information to each other regarding practice firing of small arms at ranges located close to the international border to avoid any misunderstanding.

These decisions were announced during a joint press briefing of the Pakistan Rangers and the BSF.

While BSF Additional Inspector General Shri Uttan Kumar Bansal represented India at the meeting, Punjab Rangers Director General Maj Gen Muhammad Yaqoob Khan and Sindh Rangers DG Maj Gen Liaquat Ali represented Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Yaqoob Khan said that the bi-annual meeting was held between the delegations under an umbrella of mutual trust and confidence and the forum had provided an opportunity to return inadvertent border crossers.

He said the meeting was held in a conducive atmosphere and was “highly productive”.

The General said that an attempt had also been made through the forum to minimise the misery of the families of individuals who remained jailed in India and Pakistan despite completing the term of their imprisonment.

He said that this was due to the “complicated” repatriation procedures.

Expressing sincere resolve to address the issue of the return of inadvertent crossers, both sides announced that efforts would be made to return such individuals immediately to avoid the complicated repatriation procedures later. Lists of such crossers were also exchanged between the delegations. (ANI)