(a) whether Pakistan Government is denying visas to Indian diplomats;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Indian Government has taken up the matter with the Pakistani Government in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof including the reaction of Pakistan on this issue and the steps taken/being taken by the Government to resolve the visa row at the earliest?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) to (d) As per the Visa Agreement between India and Pakistan signed on 8 September 2012 and operationalised on 14 December 2012 a Diplomatic Visa is ordinarily issued within a period not exceeding 30 days of application and a Non-Diplomatic Visa for non-diplomatic members is ordinarily issued within a period not exceeding 45 days of application. However, recently there has been delay in issuance of Diplomatic and Non-Diplomatic Visa.
Government has continuously underlined the need for Pakistan to expedite issue of Diplomatic/Non-Diplomatic Visa in accordance with the Visa Agreement 2012.
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