Tourism Secretary Jalil Abbas led the Pakistani side in the two-day talks, while Union Cultural Secretary Neena Ranjan headed the Indian side, which was held in cordial and positive atmosphere.
A statement on the outcome of the talks would be issued on Wednesday on the conclusion of the talks, leaders of both the sides told newsmen at the end of first session of the two-day meeting.
The Pakistani delegation comprised Pakistan High Commissioner, Aziz Ahmad Khan, Director General, (SA), Jalil Abbas Jilani, Director General (EP), Fazal-ur-Rehman Malik, Deputy High Commissioner, Munawar Saeed, Director General (Interior) Akhtar Munir Marwat, Director General (Religious Affairs) M. Ilyas Dar and Minister (Press) Kamran Ali Khan.
Indian delegation included Joint Secretary, MEA, Arun Singh and Director (Pakistan), MEA, Ms Monica Mohta and high officials of home and religious ministries.
Pakistan Cultural Secretary Jalil Abbas told newsmen after first session of the talks, "We talked and achieved exactly as what we had expected." There is a common feeling and appreciation on both the sides to create and sustain an atmosphere and environment in which wide-ranging exchange of culture, arts, tourism and education could take place and continue.
Indian Cultural Secretary Neena Ranjan said that talks were wide-ranging and "we are very happy over the progress". To a question, she said that there was some forward movement on different matters in the talks and negotiations are going to be successful in all respects.
To another question, Neena said, modalities were discussed on the proposal of Lahore-Amritsar bus service and hoped that it would be finalised soon.
About repatriation of prisoners and fishermen, the Indian secretary said, this issue also came under discussion. This was taken up and discussed in a very positive atmosphere, she said, adding, "We are quite hopeful about the positive outcome." Whatever requests are made, would be acceded to in due course, she said.
To a question about Indo-Pak agreement of 1988, the leader of Pakistani delegation said discussions were held in the essence of the treaty. That agreement had lapsed in 1991, however, discussions were held in that spirit.
To a question about issue of prisoners and fisherman, Jalil Abbas said there was already a mechanism and law in place to deal with their repatriation. However, there could be some difference of opinion regarding the number and record of prisoners and fishermen.
Both the sides would move in that direction in accordance with the existing laws and mechanisms, he said.
Asked about 1974 Shrines Protocol between the two countries, Jalil said that various proposals were exchanged to ensure implementation of the agreement.
There was a request from the Indian side to allow the visit of pilgrims to more religious places in Pakistan, while there were suggestions from pilgrims of Pakistan regarding visit to their Holy shrines in India. This matter was also discussed during the meeting in threadbare manner, he said, adding that progress was also expected on this front.
To a question about exchange of newsmen between the two countries, he said the arrangement was already existed between India and Pakistan. "We have agreed in principle to improve this arrangement," he said and hoped that it would be more effective.