New Delhi: After the border tensions, India and Pakistan are now engaging in a diplomatic face-off over visas. Pakistan refused to give visas so far to 12 Indian officials to be posted at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, including a naval officer of the rank of captain.
India is still “processing” the visa requests of five Pakistani diplomats to be posted at its high commission in New Delhi. Sources in the external affairs ministry said that Pakistan was bent upon delaying visas to Indian officials and added that the “ball was in Pakistan’s court” to end the impasse.
“Why should we give visas to Pakistani officials when so many Indian diplomats are being denied visas?” one source asked. The sources said the situation was created by Pakistan and had started building up from about two months ago.
Sources said India would not give visa to a Pakistani diplomat who was identified as an ISI agent, although the visa has not been formally refused. As far as the other four Pakistani diplomats are concerned, India is watching the situation and is likely to go ahead only if Islamabad gives visas to the Indian officials who are waiting for it.
