Pakistan has not stopped issuing visas to Indian citizens: Foreign Office Spokesperson

Summary: Pakistan has refuted reports claiming that the issuance of visas to Indian citizens has been halted, clarifying that there is no restriction on granting a visa to the Chief Minister of Indian Punjab, Bhagwant Mann. According to Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan, more than 4,000 Sikh pilgrims have been issued visas this year. Pakistan has also received an invitation to attend a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO); however, a final decision regarding participation will be made following consultations.

Islamabad: Pakistan has denied reports that it has stopped issuing visas to Indian citizens, stating that there is no ban on granting a Pakistani visa to the Chief Minister of Indian Punjab, Bhagwant Mann.

During a weekly press briefing on Friday, Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan stated that Pakistan has not suspended the issuance of visas to Indian nationals. So far this year, visas have been granted to over 4,000 Sikh pilgrims to visit Pakistan.

He emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to facilitating followers of all religions in visiting their sacred sites. There are no specific restrictions regarding a potential visit to Pakistan by the Chief Minister of Indian Punjab; however, the matter of his permission to travel from India is a separate issue.

The Foreign Office spokesperson further noted that Pakistan has received an invitation from India to participate in a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. The meeting is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from November 20 to 22.

He clarified that the decision regarding Pakistan’s participation in the meeting will be made by the country’s leadership, following consultations with relevant institutions and the completion of necessary procedural requirements. At present, Pakistan’s participation has not been definitively confirmed.

Responding to a question regarding the first consultative meeting between the Makkah Coalition and Iran, the spokesperson stated that this development reflects the coalition’s defensive and peace-oriented objectives.

According to him, the Makkah Coalition was not established against any specific country, but rather to promote peace, security, and stability within the region. He noted that dates for future meetings of the coalition have not yet been set; however, further consultative sessions will take place at an appropriate time.

Addressing a question about the situation along the Pakistan-Iran border, Sajjad Haider Khan stated that cross-border movement continues; however, the current operational and administrative status of the border would need to be verified with the relevant authorities.These statements from the Foreign Office reflect Pakistan’s ongoing policy regarding the facilitation of religious tourism, the strengthening of regional diplomatic ties, and active participation in international forums.