Pakistan-India Joint Working Group on Bilateral Visa Agreement

(2011-06-03)

In pursuance of the decision taken during the Pakistan-India Interior/Home Secretaries level talks held in New Delhi on 28-29 March 2011, the first meeting of the Joint Working Group was held in Islamabad on 2-3 June 2011 to examine the modalities for streamlining the visa procedures and to finalize the draft of Bilateral Visa Agreement. The Pakistan delegation was led by Mr. Nasar Hayat, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan while the Indian delegation was led by Mr. G.V.V. Sarma, Joint Secretary (Foreigners), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

The discussions were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere.

The two sides discussed details and modalities of visa facilitation with a view to easing travel for nationals of either country desiring to visit the other.

The two sides also discussed amendments in the existing visa agreement and agreed to continue the discussions on the new visa Agreement in the next meeting of Joint Working Group at New Delhi before the end of August, 2011 for finalization at the next Home/Interior Secretary level talks in Islamabad.

Islamabad
03 June 2011

194/2011