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


Asif Mehmood January 28, 2022
PHOTO: AFP/FILE

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.

COMMENTS (3)

Zahid | 2 years ago | Reply India and Indian government are stupid India is not a county for visit you are not safe in India so next never any plan to visit the India
Sankar Sinha | 2 years ago | Reply We Indians know how Pakistan proposes for peace. There is always nefarious designs on peace initiative. The applicants has to bring a clearance letter from the ministry of external affairs Pakistan for Indian Visa. The clearance letter must state that the Pakistani applicant does not have any criminal background Pakistan government will be sole responsible for the crime terrorism committed on Indian soil. Pakistan MEA refuses to give letters.
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