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India, Pak hold talks to liberalise visa regime
India and Pakistan on Thursday held brief talks to liberalise the rigid visa regime and promote friendly exchanges between the two countries in Islamabad.
India and Pakistan on Thursday held brief talks to liberalise the rigid visa regime and promote friendly exchanges between the two countries in Islamabad.
Indian Cultural Secretary Badal K Das and his Pakistan counterpart Saleem Gul Sheikh briefly met but put off their detailed discussions for Friday as the Indian delegation arrived late on Wednesday due to flight disruptions.
The talks, being held under the fourth round of composite dialogue process, would focus on new proposals to liberalise the rigid visa regime and promote multifaceted friendly ties between the two countries.
Badal arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday from Dubai whereas other members of the Indian delegation including Director General Indian Council of Cultural Research Pawan Kumar Verma arrived late in the afternoon from Lahore following rescheduling of flights due to heavy rains.
Officials said top on their agenda would be to reach an understanding on introducing group tourism visa to enable tourists from both sides to travel to the various historic, religious and heritage destinations.
At present the two countries have point to point visa facility and visas are possible only with verifiable reference address at the place for which visa is applied.
India earlier forwarded its proposals to liberalise visa regime to Pakistan which in turn sent its response few months ago.
The two sides would also discuss enhancing friendly exchanges between the two countries.
