Wednesday, November 9 2005 11:18 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: The much-awaited event to permit quake-affected Kashmiris from both sides of the LoC to cross over the agreed points would take some time as Pakistan yesterday (Nov 8, 2005) named designated officials to process the applications of people wanting to meet their relatives on the other end.

Pakistan Foreign Office named the officials who will process the applications of people wishing to cross though Tithwal-Tangdhar, Chakoti-Uri, Hajipir-Uri, Rawalakot-Poonch and Tattapani-Mendhar, the five points agreed by both India and Pakistan.

Rawalkot-Poonch, one of the five agreed points, was opened on Monday (Nov 7, 2005) but no crossings have taken place as yet because the two sides have not finalised the lists of people.

Pakistan Foreign officials said the lists could be exchanged as it had collected around 50 application forms of people from PoK wanting to cross into Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, media reports from Muzaffarabad said Pakistan had begun distributing the forms needed for clearance to cross over on Monday itself.

Application forms were issued to 50 people for permission to go to the other side of the LoC through the Chakothi-Uri crossing point, local daily 'Dawn' reported from Muzaffarabad.

Both sides have agreed to clear the applications in 10 days. Pakistan officials attribute the delay to the Diwali and Eid holidays which came in the way of distribution and collection of forms needed to be filled up by civilians wanting to cross on the other side.