Visas issued to Pakistanis drastically reduced, says govt

Around 34,445 Pakistanis have been given visas in 2017 in comparison to the 52,525 visas given in 2016, the home ministry said.

India has drastically reduced visas to Pakistani nationals and has given travel documents to 34,445 people from that country so far this year, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

India has reduced the number of visas to Pakistani nationals this year. (HT File Photo)

Minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju said 34,445 Pakistani citizens have been given visas under various categories so far this year in comparison to the 52,525 visas given in 2016.

As many as 12.89 lakh visas have been given to Bangladeshi nationals so far this year in comparison to 9.33 lakh visas issued in 2016, he said in his reply to a written question.

Indo-Pak relations have nosedived after Pakistan-backed terrorists attacked a brigade headquarters in Uri, the Indian Air Force Station in Pathankot and the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani by the security forces. Pakistan tried to highlight Wani’s killing internationally.