The Hindu : National : Visa norms relaxed for Pakistan nationals

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Monday, Sep 20, 2004

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National

Visa norms relaxed for Pakistan nationals

By Our Diplomatic Correspondent

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 19. Several measures have been announced by the Ministry of External Affairs to "liberalise" visa regulations for Pakistani nationals, including accredited journalists, visiting India.

Speaking ahead of a meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, the Ministry spokesman announced on Saturday that accredited journalists with minimum three years accreditation with national or international media of repute could be issued multiple entry visas, without prior reference to headquarters, and with exemption from reporting to the police.

Provision for academics

Academicians and professors, Vice-Chancellors and those coming on the invitation of reputed / eminent universities and institutions could be issued similar visas to those to be issued for accredited journalists.

Medical doctors, if accompanying patients for treatment at leading / reputed hospitals in India, too, could be issued visas without prior reference to headquarters and with exemption from reporting to the police.

All Pakistan nationals above the age of 65 could be granted visas with exemption from reporting to the police, he said. Pakistani nationals could also be permitted to visit up to 12 places during each visit as against three at present. Visas for participation in conferences would also be issued liberally.

"... These are unilateral measures taken by the Government of India to promote people-to-people contacts with Pakistan. Naturally, we hope that the Government of Pakistan would also be able to take similar measures," the spokesman added.

No free visas

Analysts point out that the decision to issue multiple entry visas to accredited journalists falls short of the promise made recently by the External Affairs Ministry to issue "free visas" for Pakistani journalists, a step that Islamabad had promised to follow. Clearly, the discretion to issue visas would remain in the hands of the Indian High Commission. Also, the Pakistani decision to deport Kanwar Sandhu, resident editor of The Hindustan Times in Chandigarh, who had a valid visa, raises questions about Islamabad's intentions to liberalise actually the visa regime.

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