As a goodwill measure, Prime Minister Vajpayee on Wednesday announced a series of steps to enhance people-to-people ties between India and Pakistan. These include the release of all Pakistani civilian prisoners after identification and a decision to not arrest Pakistani fishermen, who inadvertently transgress into Indian waters. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Extrenal Affairs, the Prime Minister has decided to offer 20 scholarships to Pakistani students in Indian technical institutions. Pakistani poets, academics, writers and artists will be invited for stay in India as guest of the Government. Groups of Pakistani students will also be invited to tour Indian academic establishments.
Tackling a long standing problem between the two countries, India will no longer arrest Pakistani fishermen, who inadvertently transgress into Indian waters, but let them off with a warning.

The PM has instructed the Home Ministry to take expeditious action for the release of all Pakistani civilian prisoners after identification.
On the business front, India will reduce or eliminate tarriff on 50 Pakistani products.

Bureau Report