Islamabad, July 16: In a fresh move towards normalising relations with India, Pakistan today agreed to hold expert level talks between the civil aviation authorities of the two countries aimed at resuming air links. "Pakistan has agreed to host experts-level talks between the civil aviation authorities of Pakistan and India to consider all aspects for resumption of air links between the two countries", the foreign ministry said in a statement. The dates for the meeting would be fixed "after mutual consultations" in due course, it said adding the proposal for hosting the talks has been communicated to the Government of India. The invitation comes a day after the Indian High Commissioner Shiv Shankar Menon assumed office in Islamabad. Air links between the two countries were suspended after the attack on Indian Parliament in December 2001 by Pakistan-based militants.

Bureau Report