Tit for tat? Indian Yogis denied visas to Pakistan

June 21 was set aside as the International Day of Yoga at the request of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: While preparations are underway to celebrate International Yoga Day around the world, it appears Indian diplomats in Islamabad may not be able to enjoy the recently UN designated day. 

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the United Nations to officially designate a day for yoga, 21 June was set aside as the International Day of Yoga and the Indian government began going all out to ensure the celebration of the first ever event is memorable worldwide.

Already, there are plans underway to celebrate the day in a big way not just in India, but all over the world. More than 100 US cities will organise a Yogathon on the day, according to the Overseas Volunteer for a Better India (OVBI), the lead organisers of the event.

However, New Delhi is disappointed that their plan to fervently celebrate the day has not been well received in Islamabad, as Pakistan refused visas to the Yoga instructors planning to visit.

The Indian government sent letters to all its embassies and high commissions overseas with plans to mark International Yoga Day on June 21.

When the Indian High commission in Islamabad requested a yoga instructor, the Pakistan High Commission refused to issue a visa. Then another request was made by the commission for a different instructor, which was again rejected.

Pakistani sources attributed the visa rejections to the ‘reciprocity rule’, adding that several business owners including a delegation due to visit Amritsar in May, and some travel agents, have been denied visas by the Indian mission.

However, the Pakistan High Commission revealed that the visa application of the second yoga teacher is still being considered.

Indian diplomats in Pakistan live a confined life and are dismayed over the visa rejections as they were looking forward to the yoga instruction as a mode of relaxation, according to government sources.

The article originally appeared on The Indian Express