India denies visas to 170 Pakistani pilgrims to spoil 'peace initiative'

Indian government denied the visas on the pretext of coronavirus restrictions, says MNA Ramesh Kumar

LAHORE:

The Indian government on Friday denied visas to 170 Pakistani tourists who completed their preparations for a tour to the neighbouring country starting from January 29 (Saturday).

According to Faith Tourism Coordinator MNA Dr Ramesh Kumar, the Indian government denied the visas on the pretext of Covid-19 restrictions.

Read more: 200 Hindu pilgrims from India to visit Pakistan on New Year

He said that 170 tourists had registered for the tour and the group wanted to visit Ajmer Sharif, New Delhi, Mith, Jaipur and other areas of India.

The visit was supposed to conclude on February 1 but it has been deferred after the Indian government's refusal. Diplomatic sources told The Express Tribune that there is no agreement on visit visas between Pakistan and India.

Also read: Pakistan issues visas to Indian Hindu pilgrims to visit historic temples

They said that Pakistan and Indian pilgrims visit each other's countries as per the existing 1974 agreement, adding that Pakistan had issued visas to Indian tourists earlier.

They further said that India will not recognise the efforts of any individual for faith tourism between the two countries, adding that both nations would have to negotiate to resolve the issue.