Indo-Pak group visa put on backburner

The new group visa facility between India and Pakistan, the second element of last year’s liberalised visa regime, is unlikely to be operational by March 15.

The new group visa facility between India and Pakistan, the second element of last year’s liberalised visa regime, is unlikely to be operational by March 15.

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The visa-on-arrival facility for senior citizens was put on hold by India just before it was to be operationalised on January 15 to protest the killing and beheading of two Army jawans.

Though the date for allowing the group tourist visa is approaching, the government is yet to take a political call on extending the facility. Government officials said the logistics too were yet to be sorted out.

The two countries are yet to exchange a list of travel agencies which would be authorised to conduct the group tours. These lists have to be approved by both sides before travel agencies can offer the service.

A home ministry official said since travel agents are required to furnish details 45 days in advance, it is unlikely that the first group would be able to cross the border before May.