Wednesday, July 27 2005 18:05 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Government today (July 27, 2005) told the Lok Sabha that Pakistan's decision to invite Hurriyat leaders to visit Islamabad and other cities of the country violated an understanding between the two countries.

The onus for any Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus passenger travelling beyond Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) lay on the Pakistani authorities, Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed said in a written reply.

He said Hurriyat leaders visited PoK and Pakistan in their individual capacities and their visit to PoK using the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus was cleared on the basis of procedures agreed upon by India and Pakistan.

The bilateral understanding on the bus service is that travel is limited to the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir and is on the basis of permits issued by the two sides.

Proposal: India proposed to Pakistan opening Kargil-Skardu route during the April visit of President Pervez Musharraf here, Ahamed said, adding Pakistan's response is awaited.

Prisoners: There are about 923 civilian Indian prisoners, 371 fishermen and 54 Prisoners of War (PoWs) in Pakistani jails, the Minister said, adding Pakistan, however, has acknowledged the presence of 182 civilian prisoners only and does not acknowledge presence of any Indian PoWs in that country.