LAHORE: Pakistan Rangers and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) have agreed to encourage local commanders to resolve minor issues related to border management by frequent flag meetings and safe return of inadvertent border crossers mutually during a four day-long biannual meeting. While capitalising on the already decreasing trend of ceasefire violations along the working boundary, both sides showed willingness in the biannual meeting to enhance contact at all levels to minimise the chances of misunderstandings.
The biannual meeting was held between Pakistan Rangers and Border Security Force (India) from 25 to 28 July 2016 here at the Headquarters of Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) at Lahore in a congenial and accommodating atmosphere. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Pakistan Rangers (Sindh), Anti-Narcotics Force and Survey of Pakistan also attended.
These talks are a regular feature and held alternately in Pakistan and India. The dialogue process provides an opportunity not only to discuss and resolve border management issues at bilateral level but also the strengthening of mutual confidence between the two forces.
In the meeting, both sides’ forces also discussed the issue of expediting repatriation of inadvertent border crossers and mutually agreed to ensure their safe return. During the meeting, issues of construction close to the working boundary and international border have also been deliberated upon to find amicable solutions and address mutual concerns.
In order to continue the endeavours revived in the biannual meeting 2015, it was mutually decided to seek solution of difficult issues through enhanced contact and communication at all levels.
Furthermore, the forum acknowledged the concerted efforts put in by both forces to check cross border smuggling of narcotics and contrabands. Both sides showed further resolve to continue sharing information on this very important aspect and take all appropriate measures to end this illegal activity plaguing the two countries.
It is pertinent to mention here that the next meeting between Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) and Border Security Force (India) will be held in the first quarter of 2017 in India.
