India and Pakistan have a reciprocal relationship. If one does something to the other, like sending back a spying diplomat for instance, the other imitates this and also sends one back. One country’s visa regime mirrors the other’s. We would rather harm ourselves by an act that is imitative than let the other side get away. The world sees this behaviour as childish — perhaps, rightly so.
India acted maturely in opening up trade unilaterally a few years ago. This is why the shelves of Thom’s Cafe and Bakery, where I shop for groceries in Bangalore, are filled with Shan Masala boxes.
Now, an opportunity exists for Pakistan to take the lead.
Islamabad should open up its borders and give Indian tourists visas on arrival — the same conditions under which Indians are allowed into Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan. A quick stamp on the passport and that’s it.
Vast crowds of Indians will come to Pakistan.
Sikhs on pilgrimage to Nankana Sahib and to see Ranjit Singh’s mausoleum (totally empty when I went there 10 years ago) next to the Lahore Fort. Hindus who want to see the Indus, after which their country is named, and their faith. Muslims and Hindus who want to visit Pakpattan, Data Saheb and the shrines of Rukn-e-Alam and Bahauddin Zakariya.
Pakistanis will be amazed by how many Hindus worship at Muslim shrines. Punjabis will come and see the cities of Lahore and Rawalpindi, of which they have only heard about from their grandparents. India’s wealthy Sindhi community will come to Sukkur, Hyderabad and Karachi.
Three Muslim communities — Memons, Bohras and Khojas — have their headquarters in India. They have family ties to Karachi and also business interests that will benefit from regular visits. Deoband and Nadwa scholars can exchange views with Pakistan’s ulema.
The package tour business, which is big in India, will bring in large numbers who might see a Pakistan different from the one in their imagination. College and school excursions, which are also big in India, will find new venues to take their students to.
Bollywood will be interested in new settings to shoot and access to the cities will open up plot lines.
As an intelligent piece in The Friday Times noted a few years ago, Indian tourists will blend in, dress modestly, not expect too much, be at home with the food and do shopping on a healthy scale.
The exchange rate of the Pakistani rupee, whose value is a little over half of that of the Indian rupee, will give them a bigger budget than they have at home.
The Hindu middle class, especially Bengali and Gujarati, are adventurous travellers and will not be easily put off by a couple of bomb blasts as Westerners will. Because Indian women are not secluded, whole families will come, especially if non-aeroplane routes such as road and rail are opened. Pakistanis will not be threatened by middle-aged Indian men and women with squealing kids about them.
It will not be possible, given the mischief in Mumbai and in Parliament, for India to freely let Pakistanis enter. So, reciprocity must not be expected immediately. But that shouldn’t be seen as a problem.
Pakistan has already accepted a break in the tit-for-tat relationship. Pakistan’s cricket team is likely to play in India while there’s no chance that India’s players will come to Pakistan. No other cricketing nation is willing either and so it’s not about Indian obstinacy in this case. Just the circumstances, which can be altered by a little wisdom.
It’s a profitable opportunity for Pakistan to benefit economically, improve its image as a safe place and normalise relations with India. Three things gained while nothing is lost.
Pakistan should open itself up to Indians without waiting for reciprocity. And it should do this in self-interest.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 29th, 2012.
COMMENTS (94)
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Sorry but I will take a pass. I don't want to be kidnapped once I am in Pakistan and then converted to Islam. I love being a Indian American and Hindu:)
Same with the pakistanis also. Please do not come to India. We have our own problems and you have yours to. Lets not mix at all.
@shashi: Likewise we do not need Indians to travel to Pakistan. We have enough problems with RAW agents creating havoc within Pakistan without giving them carte blanche to run wild in Pakistan like CIA did just a few years ago and we are still mopping up CIA operations within Pakistani borders.
@Pakistani: Pakistanis need to understand that they do not need to be the flag bearers of Islam. Saudi Arab should do that. To be honest, you have to be IN Pakistan to know what happens here. I would love to visit the Indus river,Harappa,Mohenjodaro,Taxila. But when you have been to Pakistan, you are virtually guaranteed that visas to the US will be rejected most of the times. For me visiting US is of a greater priority than visiting Pakistan.
We are not Indians. We do not want anything to do with Indian culture and Indian ways. We would much rather open ourselves to Russia, Europe, US. Please! do we go to Indian websites and bombard them with abuse and then ask Indians to become part of Pakistan?
We in Pakistan should be ashamed that even after all these years we have not given up Indian customs like the spicy food, strange clothing and watching their movies. We should just embrace English and Arabic and forget about Urdu/Hindi altogether.
@antanu g: "@shashi: what a contradiction…you dont hate pakistani and still want all the tyies cut off…its height oght of double standard and indicates that we are no better than pakis who hate us."
Do not see the contradiction or double standards. Cutting off ties is not a sign of hated but indifference. Also you need to stop pretending that yu are an Indian.
By the way, I disagree with both Aakar and Shashi. Neither is a visa on arrival desirable nor should all ties be cutoff. Pakistani artistes are welcome in India. As also Pakistani tourists and businessmen who have been appropriately vetted. Once someone is allowed in the country the 3 city limit makes no sense. Either do not allow or allow to visit throughout the country. You anyway cannot enforce the 3 city limit. SO there I agree with Shakir Lakhani. Basically the non-value-added controls should be dismantled but dismantling all controls per se is not consistent with ground realities. @Lala Gee "In my comment I said “hate mongering Indians” are not welcome" You can rest assured Lala Gee. India does not have the concept of jihad. So hate mongering Indians will certainly not choose to tour Pakistan. Only people who are open to friendship will do so.
@ABZ: "@sapan kapoor…this is your problem you indians always see the things in 1 perspective only..you are continuously crying about the Mumbai attack,which is still subjudice, what about your country’s involvement in BALOCHISTAN & SINDH in destabilizing the peace of these provinces????? First get your facts in order"
OK so Mumbai case is 'sub-judice', so we should not talk about it. Well the case was already concluded in India.Also a related case on Daood Gilani akak David HEadley has also bee completed resulted in Headley's conviction. The Pakistani case will forever remain sub judice because Pakistan has no desire to bring the perpetrators to justice. So should India never talk about this?
Secondly, you ask us to get our facts straight with regards to India's involvement in Balochistan and Sind. Please provide the facts. For sure your country has not provided facts to either India or the world community. This is quite distinct from India who has provided the facts to Pakistan and world community. While the world community believes India, Pakistan chooses to say that the dossiers provided by India have no merit.
Nand,
"Sorry you are completely wrong. India too has over 180 million great Muslims and we have co-exited without much problems. Few years ago our President was a Muslim." If India were a hindu country or vice versa a muslim country do you think India's divide was stil inevitable? Any way I appriciate India's secular constitution and it's efforts to take care of less priveleged. Having said that I believe India was divided on the basis of relegion by All India congress Party and not by Mohammad Ali Jinah who wanted united secular India.It's a bitter reality opposit to commen perceptions..
@Riaz Haq: "Mumbai attackers didn’t need a passport or visa to enter India. Such restrictions apply only to ordinary people, not terrorist"
@andleeb: "Polpot: I didnt know those 10 Pakistanis had come with visas stamped in their passports. Can you show even one terrorist who has crossed over with a visa?"
True. This was one instance where the Indian security was unsuccessful in preventing terrorists from entering India. However on the LOC there are thousands of attempts by jihadi groups to enter which are foiled by Indian armed forces. A visa on arrival process would undo the hard won peace in Kashmir which has been paid for by the blood of Indian soldiers by preventing the entry of foreign jihadis - if these very same people could enter with visa on arrival.
SO yes there is room for simplification of visa process by undoing the non-value-added controls however a visa on arrival process is clearly not desirable from the perspective of Indian national security,
@Mozart: Lets not hope for the 100mtr gold when we have barely learnt how to crawl.Lets try some baby steps first.
@An Ordinary Pakistani: "And RIP Pakistan’s distinct national identity and cultural individuality" +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ A distinct identity captured by A for Allah, B for Bomb and J for Jihad,
@All; First of all i appreciate the effort of a writer. We Pakistanis and Indians are not Different. We are parts of a same body. We were just distributed by the conspiracy of British ( DAMN ! I hate this Word BRITISH ). We would have been the super power of world if we were not distributed.
As for as Mumbai attacks are concerned, it would be better to do some research for that. Your own people committed that. If you don't accept that i would say that Lahore attack on Sr i-Lankan team was conducted by Indians ( I Don't mean that). talking without any logic and proof would be just talking. Please Grow Up and get united. It would be better for both Pakistan & India too.
Correction: In my comment I said "hate mongering Indians" are not welcome and the moderator deleted the hate mongering words changing the essence of the sentence as if I had said "all Indians" were not welcome. What kind of moderation is this?
@akash I don't think you are unaware of what has been happening to Muslims in Burma and all over the world, are you? My point is, Pakistan is not the ONLY terrorist infested country. Yet, wherever there are terrorist attacks or massacres, it is the Muslims/Pakistanis who are blamed. The term is NOT to be confused.
To be honest, you have to be IN Pakistan to know what happens here. My country is beautiful in its own way, just like like yours would be too. Yes, there are so many other things that hinder our progress, our hatred for India and all things Indian being one of them; it does not mean that we do not receive the same kind of reaction from your side. Just read the comments above and I will have proved my point.
There is more to Pakistan than bombings and target killings. You might not want to risk your life to experience it, but then, isn't that what life is all about? Risks? Experiences? And as I said above, you have to visit Pakistan to know what it's really like.
Hope you get around to doing that sometime. And then, I can guarantee, you will agree with a few of my points given here.
(I agree with your Islamization point, though. I wasn't around then, but it seems to be the one thing that messed it all up in the first place).
Good suggestion, Mr Patel. But would it be necessary, considering the hostility of the Indians as evident from their comments? The objectives of such a move have mostly been achieved, in any case, without any formal opening of the borders.
The Indianization of Pakistani society and culture is already taking place, right before our eyes, imperceptibly at times, but steadily and firmly for sure.
Congratulations to you Sir! For India has won hands down, as Pakistani nation is now a willing prey to the Indian filmy cultural onslaught. We are all Indians now, as defined by Bombay movies, without India firing a shot. Well done Bombay film-wallahs!
And RIP Pakistan’s distinct national identity and cultural individuality.
@shashi: what a contradiction...you dont hate pakistani and still want all the tyies cut off...its height oght of double standard and indicates that we are no better than pakis who hate us.
@ABZ: Indians do not hate Pakistanis Even if some do there is justification.But believe me..they don’t hate so much that they will go on a killing spree. Indians have moved on.India is progressing & We don’t want a hindrance that might cause any kind of irritation. Please understand,India has nothing to gain from an unstable Pakistan.
@Sardar KHAN: Once Pakistan stops sending its strategic assets, Indians will welcome pakistanis with open arms. Till then we want to keep our distance. You call it hate or whatever you like. I live abroad and have many Pakistani friends and have told them the same. The majority of them agree that both countries need to grow and develop on their own till things get better. Its better to be safe than sorry.
Also many people raised that the terrorists didnt come on visas, it just proves the point that the indian security apparatus is not good enough to protect our borders so limiting Pakistani visitors unfortunately is the only way out as we are not capable of preventing attacks. If things stay calm for a few years in India and Pakistan is able to get its house in order then both parties should come to the table. Till then less contact leads to fewer disagreements.
@sabi: 'And in my opinion underlying cause of India-Pakistan troubled relations is Relegion.' Sorry you are completely wrong. India too has over 180 million great Muslims and we have co-exited without much problems. Few years ago our President was a Muslim.
@ Romm
Ask yourself this question. RAW must have super human intelligence to achieve what you say they have. If India possessed such intellect it would be showered with Nobel Prizes. It would richer than USA. Sarbjeet Singh comes across as a total duffer. The typical type you find in India or Pakistan. We do not need the help of RAW when we are doing a much better job ourselves.
Raza Hiraj Either you know very little about quranic teachings or you have not read the contents of your beloved constitution.First make your home work and then write your's comments.I am sure.you will have a much civalised approach in your's thoughts after that.
@ABZ: The following link is of todays Editorial on ET: 'Pakistan told India that it is interfering in Balochistan by aiding and abetting the Baloch separatists but without presenting to New Delhi any internationally credible proof of its allegations.'
http://tribune.com.pk/story/414285/invitation-to-dr-manmohan-singh/
First get your facts in order, you are doing no favor to us in any way. .
instead of being carried away by good will statements like of Mr Patel, we must not forget that Indians are very actively involved in balochistan. issueance of Indian passport to Bramdakh bughti is the example of Indian interest in destabilizing Pakistan. instead of being overly conscious of Bombay attacks, we must not forget the sepration of east Pakistan, and unprovoked military adventure in siachen glacier in 1983, wen Pakistan was fighting war of survival against Soviets, engaging Pakistan in a continous war. we need to have elephant Memory while dealing Indians. We need to keep in mind the proverb, "Baghal mey churri, mooh Mein Ram Ram" Mr Patel, I shall be happy, if u give ur point of view on initiation of siachen conflict instead of talking Indian state sponsored text book style statement. if there is any chance of improvement in relations between Pakistan and India, that has to be on reciprocal basis. because both the countries hav hawkish elements, who are uttely against improvement in relations. if Indians keep asking for action against so called perpetrators of Bombay attacks, at the moment hard pressed Pakistan, after 2014, Pakistan may ask for handing over of Indian state agents involved in killings of security forces of Pakistan in baloch areas.
@Pakistani: Few days back, i was watching a movie named "Khamosh Pani" by Pakistan director sabiha sumar. This movie gave me some idea of what has been happening in Pakistan from its inception till 2003. I think extreme Islamization under Zia messed up the country & since then its on the reverse gear.I have heard that Pakistan used to be a huge spot for foreign tourist before Zia. But our fault is greater than just being a Pakistani. It is that we are a Muslim. Look at Indonesia & Turkey. The hatred we hold for each other runs deeper than the leaders and Kashmir dispute. Indians do not hate Pakistanis Even if some do there is justification.But believe me..they don't hate so much that they will go on a killing spree. Indians have moved on.India is progressing & We don’t want a hindrance that might cause any kind of irritation.
Aker Patel To lay a strong foundation for India-Pakistan Relationships,both the nations must come to a commen consences of relegeious tollerance for each others.A hindu dominating India should make it sure not to hurt the feelings of muslims and Islam as relegeion.And Pakistan as nuslim majority country should stop it's hatred against Hindu relegion.Both the states should renounce all kind of hatred on official levels.And in my opinion underlying cause of India-Pakistan troubled relations is Relegion.We will have to accept this realty sooner or later our co.existance lies only in showing respect to each other faiths.
@vickram: Hilarious and a lifetime joke buddy!!!
@andleeb: Sir, where in my posting did u see that I claimed that the 10 came on visas? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Pls read it once again.
@Khalid Aziz: It sounds like North Indians (Kapoors,Sharmas etc) are more anti Pakistanis as compared to South Indians. What a pity- the ones we share our language, culture n genes with- the Northerners, are severe victims of prejudice. These comments are mostly against Pakistani establishment, not Pakistani people. South India has been less affected by Partition,War & Terrorism than North India, But believe me, every Indians has the same perception about Pakistan.More so...its a Global perception. Please.... we are not victim of prejudice. Unlike Pakistanis, Indians have learned history as it is.Indians know about the subcontinent civilization,language,culture,gene etc. Last time i was commenting in a blog,one Pakistani said they ruled India. http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/12108/hinudana-rasm-or-a-radical-mindset/ These extremist idealogies and influence on both sides of the divide in the shape of JI and Shiv Sena will do no good for ordinary human beings on any side of the border. I am not aware of any religion and nation which does not have lunatic fringe group of people. The difference is how effectively the religion and nation controls the lunatic fringe. Its upto India and Indians now- engage Pakistan or keep on hating Pakistan. Indians do not hate Pakistanis & Indian Government is trying its best to engage Pakistan..
I don't mind visiting any country in the world as long as its safe and doesn't create problems for me of the tiniest kind.
This is where Pakistan loses. 1) Its not secure. 2) One important factor is, at least for me is, that when you have been to Pakistan, you are virtually guaranteed that visas to the US will be rejected most of the times. For me visiting US is of a greater priority than visiting Pakistan. No business man will come to Pakistan, who has to frequently travel to the US, nor will any IT guy who has to work for US clients and may have to visit the US.
@Polpot: I didnt know those 10 Pakistanis had come with visas stamped in their passports. Can you show even one terrorist who has crossed over with a visa?
You do it first india. and no we should not do this . this country is only for muslims and already minority citizens of Pakistan.
but what about ISI and RAW :)
Thanks but no thanks. For health and safety reasons we should not allow indians to come to Pakistan. Burden of history is not in its favour. Perhaps you should take your suggestions somewhere else.
I can visualize that this will be the itinerary of the package tour for Indian tourists:
1.) Day -1 Cross the wagah border and enter Pakistan. 2.) Day -1 - noon - Visit Lahore; eat at hotel and go to museum and Shalimar garden. 3.) Day 2 - Visit Mosques and shopping malls. 3.) Day 3 - Visit Nankana sahib gurudwara 4.) Day 3 - evening - While returning, get hijacked/kidnapped by non-state actors (LeT/TTP etc) 5.) Day 4- Day 15. - Enjoy the hostage situation till the weak Indian government capitulates and succumbs to the demands of the non-state kidnappers. 6.) Day 16 - Reach Delhi and give interviews to media thanking the kidnappers for not killing you and for giving you food twice a day. 7.) Day 17 and rest of life - Wondering about the wisdom of getting the Pakistan visa stamp on your passport.......
I am having many Pakistani firends and I like them. I am curious about Pakistan and would love to visit one day. Salam from Indian origin foreigner (NRI)
I respect your feelings and nice proposals for the betterment of bilateral relation between India & Pakistan. But it is necessary to be cautious about the mindset which is prevailing now in Pakistan is very dangerous for this region and world. I think is better to move slowly but steadily. Live with love-Let democracy work
Dear Aaker,
You are one of the best writers. Love reading your columns since you have been writing in the Pakistani press. I always say, nobody writes better than you in the subcontinent. You remind me of RK Narayan! I'm a Sindhi Hindu, and would like you to read this please and kindly help us to raise this issue -- http://tribune.com.pk/story/414293/the-one-party-state/
Thanks
do what????
Agreed sir !
I would feel scared of travelling to Pakistan, even with a free ticket.
@Khalid Aziz: "After reading the above comments, It sounds like North Indians (Kapoors,Sharmas etc) are more anti Pakistanis as compared to South Indians" ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sir, that's simply due to the proximity of North Indians to Pakistan and their past expereinces with your countrymen. Also the commonality of Hindi-Urdu language plays a role. In other words, the North Indians know the Pakistanis in their true colors.
I dont appreciate this idea until Pakistan shows tolerance towards other faiths. Mullas & Fundamentalists who are the back born of Pakistan will either eliminate these tourists or forcefully convert them
After reading the above comments, It sounds like North Indians (Kapoors,Sharmas etc) are more anti Pakistanis as compared to South Indians. What a pity- the ones we share our language, culture n genes with- the Northerners, are severe victims of prejudice. These extremist idealogies and influence on both sides of the divide in the shape of JI and Shiv Sena will do no good for ordinary human beings on any side of the border. Moreover, a chaotic Pakistan will always be a "stone in the shoe" for India and a peaceful, progressive and liberal Pakistan will guarantee peace and prosperity in the region. Its upto India and Indians now- engage Pakistan or keep on hating Pakistan. I am a Pakistani in my late 50s and may not see this happening in my life time but do believe firmly, my kids will see a vibrant, prosperous and peaceful South Asia.
john u r right. that's why two nation theory was introduced....
i think Indians have nothing else to do rather than lecturing and giving worst thick headed ideas they should to some good in their own land like eliminating HINDU extremism which is making lives of Muslims Sikhs Christians miserable ..... GO away indians we don't require you even if you are last on this world we havent forget the images comes from India of Golden Temple, Babri Mosque and churches on fire ................... better put your house in order first
aakar patel always has terrible ideas. dude we dont want our muslims to mix with pakistani muslims and develop any sort of radical ideas. opening up travel like this will spell disaster. after 60 years or so finally indias muslims and hindus have developed a relation of some trust and stability. do we want to risk it all by allowing these stupid paki mullas to come and interact with indias muslim population. recipe for disaster. the very maximum we should do is to allow indian non-muslims to visit pakistan freely.
@Riaz Haq: " .... Several prominent Indian journalists and writers have visited Pakistan in recent years for the first time in their lives. ... "
Mr. Haq, all we are saying is that Pakistan is schizophrenic. We can not figure out which of the manifest personalities we have to deal with - is it the personality that genuinely wants peace or it is the personality that wants to wage war or is it the personality that talks about peace but wants to wage war.
Dear Patel Sahib, the process has already started with you writing for a Pakistani newspaper followed by a horde of Indian compatriots making valuable contributions. I am afraid what you seek may not appear realistic but that is because of the immediate past and poor perceptions. I like this positive attitude, keep batting.
I actually agree with what most of the Indians have said. I don't understand why we can't have peace with India in a neutral way. Both countries will be better off if they maintain neutral relationships with one another and kind of forget that the other country exists for all practical purposes. Both Indians and Pakistanis should mind their own businesses.
In fact, Pakistan should maintain neutral relations with all of its neighbors except China. We should have strong trade and strategic ties with China because lets be honest China is the upcoming super power.
Several prominent Indian journalists and writers have visited Pakistan in recent years for the first time in their lives. They include Mahanth Joishy (USIndiaMonitor.com), Panakaj Mishra (Bloomberg), Hindol Sengupta (The Hindu), Madhulika Sikka (NPR) and Yoginder Sikand (Countercurrents) of what they saw and how they felt in the neighbor's home.Each reported that their visit was a true eye-opener, and a thoroughly enjoyable one at that. Many of the assumptions and feelings they had held toward the country for nearly 30 years were challenged and exposed as wrong and even ignorant outright.
Nope. I donot agree with the author. It is no use letting terrorists in thr disguise as tourists into India. Pakistan is full of terrorists.
After what happened in Mumbai, Pakistan should make the move and open its heart and mind. This is only possible after we rein in the known terrorists roaming around in our cities. I like the idea very much.
@Sinia
That is very easy for an Indian to say
Believe me, It will be even easier for a Pakistani to do.
we are expecting too much from Pakistani establishment at this stage to act in this manner. Pakistan is in mire , can hardly take such steps. But then, there's no harm in day dreaming!
@ a_writer Now directions can be given from Mumbai itself instead of Karachi.
a_writer: "Now, he wants rubber stamping of passports at port of entry with no background/security checks"
Mumbai attackers didn't need a passport or visa to enter India. Such restrictions apply only to ordinary people, not terrorists.
Mr. Patel,
To be civil we don't need to be friends. Let's get civil with our relationship first before aiming for friendship and other great interactions.
How about start by disbanding Groups that intend to attack India? That isn't civil.
@shashi: "i m sorry but as an indian i dont want any indians(hindu,sikh,muslim,etc) to travel to pakistan"
Try it! It might just open your eyes as it did of a string of recent first-time Indian visitors to Pakistan? One such visitor is Indian-American writer Mahanth Joishy who recently wrote: "It was a true eye-opener, and a thoroughly enjoyable one at that. Many of the assumptions and feelings I had held toward the country for nearly 30 years were challenged and exposed as wrong and even ignorant outright."
http://www.riazhaq.com/2012/07/indians-share-eye-opening-stories-of.html
I am pessimistic that this will happen. Even if it will, I am not sure Indians will risk their life and limb to visit Pakistan given the security situation there. I do like the jist of the article.
Aww. Thanks Mr. Patel. Fortunate souls we are indeed to have such kind, conscientious and not-a-wee-bit-condescending friends from across the border.
Please don't stop now. A couple more well-meaning-but-stern rejoinders brimming with parental concern should do the trick. We all know every society loves patronizing lectures from neighbours it's shared decades of strife with.
On a serious note, I agree with the suggestion. The tone, unfortunately, is depressingly familiar and entirely counter-productive, which really makes one wonder about what kind of peace the author wishes to help establish.
Why do you have to propose things so simplistic that they are un-doable.
Do you not know of the fact that notwithstanding the innocuous tourists, scores of people out to undo Pakistan, sleeper cells (and whatever else can be dreampt up by shadowy agencies) will find easy access?
Pakistani agencies, already stretched keeping tabs on their more volatile bretheren, will face a flood they'd not know how to check dam.
Lastly, about this Indian horde straining at the Wagah gates: I'm not sure about you, but the few Indians I know are generally wary of anything to do with Pakistan, and visiting her is the last thing on their mind. But I would agree there could be enthusiasts for 'secured day packages' to Lahore and Karachi.
Regards.
@shashi: "i m sorry but as an indian i dont want any indians(hindu,sikh,muslim,etc) to travel to pakistan"
Are you afraid that your visit might open your eyes as it did of a string of recent first-time Indian visitors to Pakistan? One such visitor is Indian-American writer Mahanth Joishy who recently wrote: "It was a true eye-opener, and a thoroughly enjoyable one at that. Many of the assumptions and feelings I had held toward the country for nearly 30 years were challenged and exposed as wrong and even ignorant outright."
http://www.riazhaq.com/2012/07/indians-share-eye-opening-stories-of.html
@Khurram: Until your islamic constitution not changed this will not happen. you do not have a clue how Indians look at you with your religious priorities. The day that changes, Indians will come even if Pakistan says no. The irrelevant funda like same gene, same culture is useless and has no place in Indian society. Indian culture is similar to Srilanka, Bangaldesh, Maldives too.
@Shakir Lakhani: Restricting the Pakistani or Indian citizens to certain cities / places is stupid idea. There is a chronic mutual distrust which just can't be natural and must finally come to an end. After all like any other human person have our affinities and sentimental attachments to places and no one should insult our love and affection.
What a joke Mr. Aaker. Another mischievous article by an ever mischievous columnist. Thank you very much. We don't need Indian tourists. We already have infiltration of terrorists from our western borders through Afghanistan at India's behest. We do not want to open the floodgates. If you are really in favor of it, why not teach the same to your leadership? Considering how 'Great' a country India is, what's holding her back?
@Khurram: " .... We are like two peas in a pod, sharing the same gene pool and culture.What is holding us back is the myopic leadership on both sides. .... "
On the Indian side, the people are holding back the current myopic Indian leadership - who seem too eager to fritter away the bargaining chips we hold.
@Riaz Khan: " .... Excellent idea! Hope both countries go sincerely for reapproachment which is a must for both countries. India+Pakistani Friendship Zindabad. ... "
We are barely 60+ years into the 1000 year conflict your leaders promised - and you want to give up already ?
Brothers, Trust me we Indians don't hate Pakistanis, for we know that common Pakistani people are no different than common Indians. But it's just that after the Mumbai and numerous other terrorist attacks on our people, there's a lot of anger and frustration in our hearts. It would be better for both of us to completely block our borders and think as if we don't exist for each other. Neither Indians should visit Pakistan nor Pakistanis should come to India. For it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Aker Patel. I appreiate your propsals to bring prosperity in the whole regeon.It's now time pakistan should take some bold descions and change it's policy of kashmir first.The good realtions followed by enormous prosperity will automaticly lessen the intensity on kashmir on both side. We can start with easy visa for every body.reopning of frontier mail from peshawar to calcuta and motorways linking both countries will promote trade and tourism.Enough water has flowen under the bridges.Let us give peace a chance.Let us not fight for kashmir let us fight for friendship Regards.
@Shakir Lakhani: "but i cannot do so, as India allows a Pakistani to visit only one city." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Thats because a few years ago about 10 uninvited Pakistanis with guns descended on Mumbai. Clear?
@Shakir Lakhani, "I would love to see the Taj and other Mughal monuments in India, but i cannot do so, as India allows a Pakistani to visit only one city." Brother you must be thankful to us that we brook Pakistanis in India and allow them to visit our country even after the audacious Mumbai terrorist attack. Only Indians can show such a magnanimity.
@Aakar Patel, Do you know that Pakistan is known as one of the most dangerous places on the earth? Do you know about the current security situation in Pakistan? I'm sure you are aware of this and still you want Indians to take such a huge risk with their lives and visit Pakistan. Let's be pragmatic. Anyways I have full faith in the wisdom of the Pakistanis and I'm sure they know that they need to get their house in order first before inviting guests to their country.
@Author I am basically liberal but I am of the opinion it would be better to minimize our contacts with Pakistan. The risks are too just too great if we have close relations. Contacts should only be limited to the educated intellectuals. The Express Tribune is not representative of Pakistan, and it seems the average Pakistani seems to be of a radical disposition. I hear Pakistanis fire AK47s at weddings - is this indicative of civilized behavior ? To me this is a country in a death spiral. I believe it will be a slow agonizing end with the death screams lasting decades. To be sure India has colossal problems; then why import Pakistan's Jihadi culture and add to them ! I wish the Paki intellectuals best of luck. Like Aksay would say it would be condescending for me to offer them advice, so let me advise the Indians instead.
That is very easy for an Indian to say
I would like to go to India and see the house in the small town of Savar Kundla in Gujrat where I was born (the house is still in my cousin's possession). I would like to see the flat in Bombay where I spent the first three years of my life (this flat, too, is owned by another cousin). I have relatives in Bhavnagar and Bombay whom I have never met and whom I want to meet. I would love to see the Taj and other Mughal monuments in India, but i cannot do so, as India allows a Pakistani to visit only one city.
@Author: Hi, I am an Indian but I find an Indian giving advice to Pakistanis as very condescending. India is a great country but we have many of our problems. Does it suit us to lecture Pakistanis as to what they should do and should not?
With all the restrictions in place, India is struggling to prevent terrorists from coming to cause death havoc. Mr.Patel's memory is so short that he has forgotten Mumbai attack.
Now, he wants rubber stamping of passports at port of entry with no background/security checks. For what? so that Pakistanis can visit mosques in India and Indians could see Indus and temples in Pakistan !
Mr.Patel sounds like an anachronistic hippie who has been smoking 'funny cigarettes'
All would be well until the likes of LeT and such would decide that kidnapping and killing Indian Tourists would be seen as a means of fighting for KASHMIR!
LEAVE US ALONE!
Excellent idea! Hope both countries go sincerely for reapproachment which is a must for both countries. India+Pakistani Friendship Zindabad.
Mr.Patel: We are like two peas in a pod, sharing the same gene pool and culture.What is holding us back is the myopic leadership on both sides.But they cannot hold back the people for too long and I am very hopeful sooner or later the ideas you have suggested will transfer into reality.
Mr Aaker patel, i agreed we allways copied each others lets india starts this so pakistan will do the same.
Sir, If Pakistan had any wisdom , it would have done what you suggest and not embarked on a wilful, planned and state manufactured and imbibed hostility towards India. What you suggest will never happen. But its a good fictional exercise.
i m sorry but as an indian i dont want any indians(hindu,sikh,muslim,etc) to travel to pakistan. We dont want pakistanis to come to india. I want all indians to cut all relationships (trade,bollywood,etc) with pakistan. i dont hate pakistanis. I as an indian atheist want to be neutral. No hate no relationship. The sooner the better.