May 10, 2003	Saturday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 7, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, May 9: Pakistan and Iran have reiterated their commitment to extradite criminals who are living in each other’s territories.

The reiteration came at the two-day fifth session of the Pakistan-Iran special security committee which ended here on Friday.

In tandem with provisions of Extradition Treaty signed in 1959, the Iranian side agreed to furnish the list and particulars of 184 wanted criminals who were living in Pakistan. Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to award exemplary punishment to culprits.

The session stressed the need for controlling border areas to prevent the entry of the citizens of a third country into the territories of each other.

They agreed to provide facilities for the citizens of both countries for border crossing, particularly border dwellers.

Iranian deputy minister of interior and security Ali Asghar Ahmadi attended the meeting at the invitation of Interior Secretary Tasneem Noorani.

The two sides emphasized the implementation of previous agreements and treaties concluded between the two government.

Both sides agreed to act in accordance with the provisions of Article 15 of the Agreement on Border Security signed in 1960 to facilitate the return of stolen property and vehicles to the respective countries.

The Iranian side would furnish a list of stolen vehicles to Pakistan which would inform Iran on a quarterly basis about the progress on crown jewels stolen from Zahidan.

Both sides reiterated the need for speedy demarcation of the borderline and removal of encroachment between border pillars No 71 & 72, and their repair, renovation and painting.

The two countries resolved to combat narcotics trafficking. It was agreed that information pertaining to the activities of drug traffickers and their locations would be exchanged.

Expressing satisfaction over the recovery of illegal arms in Balochistan, the Iranian side called for a comprehensive campaign against illegal shipment of arms and ammunition into each other’s territories.—APP