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Two days before Prime Minister Manmohan Singh plays host to his Pakistani counterpart Yusuf Raza Gilani at Mohali during the World Cup semi-final match between the two neighbours, the home secretaries of India and Pakistan met on Monday to hold talks on a range of bilateral issues.
Pakistan Home Secretary Chaudhary Qamar Zaman arrived in India on Sunday and he was received by Home Secretary G K Pillai.
The two sides are expected to discuss a host of issues including the trial of 26/11 accused, the extradition of mastermind Hafiz Saeed and other terrorists hiding in Pakistan, the Samjhauta Express blast probe going on in India and the Kashmir issue.
"Such efforts between the two sides would enhance peaceful relations and promote people-to-people contact," Zaman, who is heading a six-member delegation, told mediapersons.
He said his meeting with Pillai was aimed at promoting and strengthening peace between the two neighbours.
To questions on the agenda before the meeting on Monday, he said all core issues would be discussed in a peaceful atmosphere.
Appreciating the initiative of Dr Singh in extending invitations to his Pakistani counterpart and President Asif Ali Zardari to watch the World Cup match between the cricket teams of the two countries on Indian soil, Zaman hoped it would create a peaceful atmosphere between India and Pakistan.
Zaman said he would try his level best to watch the match at Mohali on Wednesday and wished all success to the Pakistani team.