Monday, August 29 2005 16:40 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Home Secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan began in New Delhi today (Aug 29, 2005) with New Delhi asking Islamabad to deport all wanted criminals from its territory to India to face trial.

Before heading for the two-day parleys, Home Secretary V K Duggal told reporters that he would request his Pakistani counterpart for deportation of all wanted people from their soil so that they could face trial here.

Duggal was responding to media queries on whether India would raise the demand of handing over terrorists and criminals including Dawood Ibrahim from Pakistan.

Dawood is wanted in India in connection with the 1993 serial blasts in Mumbai and other serious crimes.

Asked about Sarabjit Singh, who is facing death penalty in Pakistan, Duggal said, "We are hopeful of a positive outcome and I hope Pakistan will soon announce the date for consular access to Singh so that Indian Mission officials could find out about the case".

Duggal, leading the Indian team for the third round of Home Secretary-level parleys, also said that the issue of prisoners would figure in talks.

Pakistan's Interior Secretary Syed Kamal Shah, heading their 11-member delegation, said he had come with a positive outlook and would discuss any issue with an open mind.