Kolkata, March 17 (IANS) Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit on Tuesday ruled out possibilities of initiating tourist visas between India and Pakistan "very soon", saying the preference would be to implement the existing visa protocols.
"I would very much like to see that (tourist visa) happening sooner than later but then one has to be realistic. I do not see that happening very soon because visas on both sides... it is not liberalised the way you would like it to be liberalised," Basit said here during a Calcutta Chamber of Commerce programme.
He was responding to question by an audience member on the scope of issuing tourist visas.
Basit said though there is a "huge interest" on both sides to travel to the two countries as tourists, "but we have not reached the stage where it is possible for our two countries to allow tourist visa".
"When will that happen, honestly speaking, I do not know but I think we need to take first steps first. For example, there are bilateral agreements, protocols where we encourage religious tourism," he said.
He said Sikh tourists go to Pakistan from India and all over the world and Hindu tourists go to Pakistan too and the way forward is to "streamline" the agreements already signed.
"From Pakistan side, people visit Ajmer Sharif, Nizamuddin Auliya (shrines) in India. So we need to first streamline whatever we have already agreed on and if we start implementing these agreements, these visa protocols and do not create artificial inhibitions, I think that will automatically create more confidence and mutual trust," Basit said, stressing on implementing liberalised visa agreement signed between the neighbours.
"But we do not see that those agreements being implemented so we need to first implement those agreements and that will automatically generate more and more mutual trust and confidence and then we can expand that into other areas.
"I do not see that (tourist visa) happening instantly or in the near future but I think preference would be whatever we have agreed on lets first implement those agreements, those protocols," he added.
Kisan Andolan: Farmers march to Delhi today, huge rally in Patiala; Warning of agitation if demands are not met
The main factions of the United Kisan Morcha, BKU Ugrahan, Krantikari Kisan Union, and BKU Dakaunda (Dhaner) held a massive rally at Pudda Ground in Patiala on Tuesday. On this occasion, farmers
Ukraine needs India's support: Ukrainian minister said - India should take support relations with Russia, PM Modi should convince Putin to stop the war
The Russia-Ukraine war has been going on for the last 35 days. During this several rounds of talks have taken place between the two countries. At the same time, Russia has spoken of reducing attacks
In 10 districts in 11 states, the speed of corona doubled within 10 days, the number of active patients increased for the third consecutive day in the country.
The number of corona patients in the country is steadily increasing. On Thursday, for the third consecutive day, an increase in active cases was recorded. Within the last 24 hours, 16 thousand 824
The biggest rail project on the border, this scared China: The train will reach the throat of China from the belly of the Himalayas; Learn 4 reasons for the restlessness of the Chinese army
I am at present in Karnprayag of Chamoli district. Like Tawang, Galvan, Doklam of the China border, it is a sensitive place, but less known or in fewer headlines. The Barahoti border is only a few
Punjab Congress President pushed in Bharat Jodo Yatra: Raja Wading was taking the leader to meet Rahul Gandhi, the security personnel pushed him out
Amarinder Singh Raja Warding had to face a setback yesterday during Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra in Punjab. Punjab Congress President Warding was taking a particular leader closer to Rahul Gandhi.
Weather Update: Why there was a sudden change in the weather before the monsoon? Thunderstorm and rain alert in these states for the next 2 days
The mood of the first monsoon season in the country has suddenly changed. A rain alert has been issued in many states of North India today with strong thunderstorms. Strong storms and rain have caused
Lalu jailed for five more years: In the fifth case of fodder scam, the CBI court gave its verdict, also imposed a fine of Rs 60 lakh
A special CBI court in Ranchi has sentenced RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav to 5 years imprisonment and also imposed a fine of 60 lakhs in a case related to the much-discussed fodder scam. This is a
'Spider-Man: Across the Spider Verse' earned 53 crores at the Indian box office in 5 weeks, making this record
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse: On June 2, 2023, the sequel to the animated film 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' hit the theaters. Five weeks have passed since the release of the film, but
Sitting face to face with Rhea and brother Shovik, the questions and answers continue, the officers asked the father - when and how much money was given to the daughter?
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) team, which is investigating the economic aspects in the case of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, is questioning Rhea Chakraborty for the second time in four days. Rhea,
The issue of vandalism of Hindu temples was raised in the Parliament of Canada, the MP said - 'Hinduphobia is spreading in the country'
Canada Vandalism of Hindu Temples Gauri Shankar Temple, a prominent Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada was attacked recently. Pro-Khalistan slogans were also written after the vandalism in the temple.
