Kashmir food fest runs into Pakistan visa hurdle

The two senior tourism officials were denied visas despite the MEA finalising everything with Pakistan.

Pakistan has denied visas to Jammu and Kashmir tourism officials who were to be in Lahore to arrange a Kashmir food festival, virtually putting an end to the event, official sources said. The festival was scheduled to begin on February 14.

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Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Abdul Aziz Wani and Director General of Tourism Salim Baig were not granted visas to visit Pakistan, the sources said.

The State Government is taken aback at the move as Pakistan had earlier given a green signal to the festival in Lahore. The Government had made all arrangements and had listed the event as a big confidence building measure between the people of the two countries.

The two senior tourism officials have been denied visas despite the Ministry of External Affairs finalising everything with Pakistan, the sources said.

This is the first time the state had proposed that the Kashmir food festival be held in Pakistan. It has been organising such events in Dubai, Germany and other places across the world.