Bi-annual meeting Pakistan Rangers and Indian BSF ends

LAHORE – A five-day bi-annual meeting between the senior officials of Pakistan Rangers and Indian Border Security Force, India was held at the Punjab Rangers Headquarters in Lahore from December 24 to 28.The Pakistan Rangers 20-member delegation was headed by Director General/Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) Major General Khan Tahir Javed Khan, whereas 13-member Indian delegation was headed by BSF Director General Shri Subhash Joshi.

According to a press release on Saturday, the director generals of both border guarding forces held face-to-face talks after one-and-a-half years.

The meeting was held in a cordial, positive and constructive atmosphere.

Both director generals showed their commitment to maintain the sanctity on Working Boundary as well as International Border and agreed to re-energize the existing mechanisms.

A consensus was developed to utilise available communication channels more effectively to control violation at the zero line.

They reiterated their resolve and commitment to continue efforts for ensuring, peace and tranquility on the working boundary and international border.

Both sides agreed on zero tolerance for smuggling and agreed to take strict action against the smugglers as per existing laws of the two states. It was agreed that inadvertent crossers would be returned immediately to their respective countries.

Consensus was developed on matters like stoppage of illegal construction, removal of wild growth and maintenance of boundary pillars.

It was also decided that regular meeting between the two border guarding forces at all levels of command will be held to ensure maintenance of peace and tranquility along the working boundary and international border as per agreed norms.

The next meeting of the director generals will be held in New Delhi, India within first half of next year, stated the release.

The Bi-annual meeting ended on Saturday when the Indian delegates of BSF left for their homeland after witnessing the Wahga parade.