India- Pak Pilgrims Offered Group Tourist Visa Facility
The Lok Sabha took a very positive step for the pilgrims from India and Pakistan visiting religious sites in each other’s countries. It declared the pilgrims could soon avail the group tourist visa facility. “As per the existing provision, Pakistani nationals in a group of not less than ten persons are entitled for 14 days non-extendable group tourist visa,” said Minister of Tourism Ambika Soni.
Majuli: The Centre has sanctioned Rs 382.25 lakh for the development of Assam’s Majuli Island as a Heritage and Eco-Tourism Destination, Soni said. Samjhauta Tragedy: an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh has been paid to next of kin of 35 victims of the Samjhauta Express fire incident of February, Minister of State for Railways R Velu told the Lok Sabha.
If this proposal is finalized by the Ministry of Home Affairs, there was a provision that group tourist visa can be used by tourists as well as pilgrims of the two countries. Considering the common historical and cultural ancestry of India and Pakistan, it is a very considerate move on the part of the government. This would bring praises from all spheres, and will help in re-strengthening the old ties.