Indians remain out of Pak on-arrival visa list

Including India in the list would not only prove a strong confidence building measure but also benefit Pak's economy.

Though Pakistan has amended its visa rules, its expanded list of countries from where businessmen can get visa on arrival continues to keep India out despite talk of promoting bilateral business.

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The interior ministry has issued a notification that raises to 49 from 27 the number of countries whose businessmen qualify for the visa on arrival, the Daily Times reported.

The Pakistan-India People's Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD) on Friday criticised the exclusion of India from the list of countries whose businessmen are qualified for the visa on arrival.

Anis Haroon, secretary general, PIPFPD, said that it was surprising that India was excluded from that list again. "The government is denying a much-needed facility to a neighbouring country with which we are trying to normalise our relations," she said.

Including India in this list would not only prove a strong confidence building measure but also benefit the country's economy, she added.

The PIPFPD urged the governments of India and Pakistan to expedite the opening of the camp offices and consulates in Karachi and Mumbai to help people applying for the visa.