Liberalised visa regime on the cards (India-Pakistan)

[Bang Galore]

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The news that India and Pakistan are set to issue, for the first time in their histories, tourist visas to each other’s citizens has been widely welcomed, along with reports that they also plan ease visa conditions for those whose spouses are from the other country, and issue visas on arrival at Wagah-Attari for senior citizens and young children.



These groundbreaking relaxations in visa rules are expected to be finalised during the Home Secretaries’ meeting in Islamabad on May 24 and May 25, between India’s R. K. Singh and his Pakistani counterpart K. M. Siddique Akbar. The new visa rules may come into force in August, following the meeting between Indian External Affairs minister S. M. Krishna with Pakistan foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar in the third week of July.



According to a report in The Indian Express, the liberalised bilateral visa agreement, negotiated by a joint working group from both sides, will allow non-extendable 30-day “Group tourist visas” to be issued to groups of 10-50 individuals, for tours organised by an approved operator or travel agent. The operator will have to submit a detailed itinerary, and will be responsible for reporting to police for the group. Groups of school and college students can visit each other’s country on the group tourist visa. Families of individuals married to a national of the other country will be eligible for two-year, multiple entry visas. One person will be able to report to police on behalf of the entire family.



The new visa protocol also eases travel for businessmen. ‘Category A’ businessmen, with an annual turnover of Pakistan rupees 5 million or more will get a one-year multiple-entry visa, and will be able to travel to 10 places. ‘Category B’ businessmen, with an annual turnover of half a million Pakistan rupees will be eligible for a one-year visa with up to four entries, and can travel to five places. Businessmen will not have to go to the police station to report their presence; they can send a representative.



Visa-on-arrival for senior citizens (65 years and above), which both countries had agreed upon some years ago, will now be implemented. This facility will also be available to young children (12 years and below). They will be given a visa for 45 days. Holders of this category of visa will be exempt from reporting to police.



The number of cities that a normal visitor can go to is being increased from the existing three to five. The current entry-exit point restrictions that limit entry and exit to the same point will be relaxed to allow entry and exit through any point.



Visiting or transit visa fees, currently Rs 15 for both sides, will be increased to Pakistan rupees 200 (Rs 120 in Indian currency, at the current exchange rate).

Liberalised visa regime on the cards - thenews.com.pk

[Thorough Pro]

Oh ****, expect more terrorism in Karachi and Baluchistan.................

[PakiRambo]

Oh ****, expect more terrorism in Karachi and Baluchistan.................

respect yourself before saying that remember ?

[clmeta]

Whatever. We need more trade with Pakistan. The illegal trade has to turn to legal one.

[Saleem]

first india should repeal the afspa ----- withdraw occupation from kashmir ---stop dam production in occuped kashmir ---stop terror in pakistan and kashmir and NE india.....then....

[Thorough Pro]

Ok buy more from us, what do you wanna buy? don't talk of sales only! and trade can be done without visas..

Whatever. We need more trade with Pakistan. The illegal trade has to turn to legal one.

I remember very well that's whty I am saying it. There is undeniable evidence that india is involved in unrest in Baluchistan and Karachi and still our gov is doing such idiotic things....

respect yourself before saying that remember ?

[PakiRambo]

Ok buy more from us, what do you wanna buy? don't talk of sales only! and trade can be done without visas..



I remember very well that's whty I am saying it. There is undeniable evidence that india is involved in unrest in Baluchistan and Karachi and still our gov is doing such idiotic things....

Ahh I see

I suspect an increase of RAW agents as well then

[clmeta]

But your govt doesn't.

Ahh I see

I suspect an increase of RAW agents as well then

It going to happen with none of your conditions met. Just wait and watch.

Ahh I see

I suspect an increase of RAW agents as well then

[PakiRambo]

But your govt doesn't.


It going to happen with none of your conditions met. Just wait and watch.

Okay dont worry the hotels are booked for them

[tarrar]

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Mian Bastard Sharif once is doing the same thing which he was doing in last rule, he wants to destroy Pakistan. There is no difference between Altaf MTF Hussain & Nawaz Bastard Sharif they both are the same who are trying their very best to destroy Pakistan, both of them favor India a lot.

Thanks to Mian Bastard Sharif Pakistan lost many troops in Kargil war & the battle which was about to be won by Pakistan, Pakistan lost it because of Mian Bastard Sharif who deliberately lost the dialog in US. This MTF is a political terrorist & he needs to be hanged for the crimes he has done against Pakistan & he is still on the rampage.