New Delhi, September 18
In yet another unilateral initiative, India today liberalised the visa regime further with Pakistan by bringing in its ambit accredited journalists, academicians, professors and Vice Chancellors, medical doctors and nationals of the neighbouring country above the age of 65.
To facilitate people-to-people contact, these measures did not require prior reference to headquarters coupled with exemption from reporting to the police.
Pakistani nationals will henceforth be permitted to visit at least a dozen places in this country as against the prevailing three.
Journalists having minimum three year’s accreditation with national or international media of repute will be issued multiple entry visas.
Academicians, Professors and Vice-Chancellors as well those coming on the invitation of reputed and eminent universities and institutions will also be issued multiple entry visas.
Medical doctors if accompanying patients for treatment at leading hospitals in India will be issued visas as well.
Senior citizens of Pakistan above the age of 65 will be granted visas.
The existing regime will be liberalised in issuing visas for participation in conferences in this country.
Responding to a question, the official spokesman of the ministry of external affairs said that these were unilateral measures taken by India. “Naturally, we hope that the government of Pakistan will also be able to take similar measures,” he added.
