Finally! Indo-Pak border talks likely in Lahore in July

Border safeguarding forces of Pakistan and India are expected to hold their bi-annual DG-level discussions on problems associated with ceasefire breaches, digging and infiltration of illegal tunnels along the International Border in July.

This past year the last such meeting between the Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers was held in the national capital in September.

July 21 and 24 at the Rangers’ headquarters in Lahore sources said, a final call on travel is only going to be taken by the authorities of the two states.

A Joint Investigation Team (JIT) from Pakistan had seen Pathankot early this year. Sources suggested a positive movement on the proposed visit of NIA could pave the way for the BSF-Rangers assembly.

They said the bi annual meeting between the two border guarding forces continues to be already delayed due to a variety of bilateral problems.

The Indian side may also raise issues related to smuggling of arms, contraband items and detection of prohibited tunnels running across the IB.

“The plan for the planned talks is in the making,” they said. The last time the two sides had met in Delhi it was decided to not fire heavy artillery like mortar shells and ensure that civilians living along the IB are not harmed.

The DG-level talks between the two sides are a bi annual event but many a time these meetings have not taken place because of strain in relations.