ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office (FO) spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam on Thursday said that the fresh round of strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the United States would be held in Islamabad this month while US Secretary of State John Kerry will lead the American delegation in this regard.

The spokeswoman said that Pakistan and India had exchanged lists of prisoners under the consular access agreement between the two countries, while the lists of nuclear installations and facilities as per the December 1988 agreement on prohibition of attacks on the sites were also exchanged.

Aslam said that 526 Indian prisoners, including 476 fishermen and 50 other civilians, were in custody of Pakistani authorities, whereas Indian officials had provided a list of 385 Pakistani prisoners to the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. That list includes 132 fishermen and 253 other civilians, she said.

“Our records show that 510 Pakistani prisoners, including 150 fishermen and 360 other civilians, were being kept in Indian jails,” she added.

The spokeswoman added that it was unfortunate that India started an unnecessary debate on the bail granted to Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. She added that the case was currently in a court of law and everyone should wait for the court's decision.

The incident of Samjhota Express occurred two years before the Mumbai terror attacks but those responsible still have not been punished, Aslam said, adding that the Indian government did not share any investigation or findings with Pakistan in this regard despite promises.

She said Pakistan and India had worked out a mechanism to stop the violation of ceasefire at the Line of Control (LoC) but added that it was unfortunate that the Indian side was continually violating it.

“Pakistan has a vision for peace in the region and we tried, but India cancelled the dialogue between foreign secretaries and now the onus is on India to proceed in this regard,” Aslam said.

The spokeswoman further said that Pakistan was very determined in countering terrorism and making Pakistan free of militancy. Pakistan has carried out a comprehensive operation against terrorists in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), she said, adding that and counter terror operations in the region were still underway.

Aslam added that Pakistan has consistently supported responsible draw down from Afghanistan and a new agreement was already in place between Afghanistan and allied forces, so it can be hoped that the transition of security to Afghan forces would take place peacefully and will contribute to Afghan stability.

“Pakistan remained committed to the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project, which is important for our energy needs and both sides are in contact with each other...very soon we will engage in dialogue again in this regard,” Aslam added.

She also mentioned that Pakistan and China have very frequent meetings to discuss progress on the Pak-China economic corridor.