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Lok Sabha
The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, Shri E. Ahamed informed the Lok Sabha today that in order to facilitate people-to-people contact, and mindful of humanitarian considerations, the Government had on September 18, 2004 announced unilateral relaxation of the grant of visas to the Pakistani nationals, including accredited journalists with minimum 3 years accreditation with national or international media of repute; academicians and professors, Vice Chancellors and those coming on the invitation of reputed/eminent universities and institutions; medical doctors, if accompanying patients for treatment at leading/reputed hospitals in India; all Pakistan nationals above the age of 65; and permission to Pakistani nationals to visit up to twelve places during each visit.
The Minister further informed that the relaxations are being implemented appropriately. The High Commission of India in Islamabad has been issuing about 6,000 – 7,000 visas per month, including to academicians, journalists, doctors and other Pakistani nationals to visit India.
The Government of Pakistan has so far not reciprocated the visa liberalisation measures announced by India on September 18,2004.
This information was given to Lok Sabha today by the Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri E. Ahamed in reply to a question by Shri Lakshman Sethi, Dr. M. Jagannath and Shri M. Raja Mohan Reddy.
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