Updated on
Summary Foreign Secretary level talks between Pakistan and India held at the Foreign Office have concluded.
Foreign Office sources say a consensus has been made over the Pakistan-India visa issuance policy, and it has been decided that 8 categories of visas will be issued.The types include diplomatic, non-diplomatic, 36 hour transit visit, tourist visas, civil society, media and business visas.The Tourist visa will be limited to five destinations and will be valid for a period of six months, while the diplomatic visa category will offer visas to the consular, the consular mission and their family members.Sources say the agreement of the new Pakistan-India visa issuance policy is expected to be signed on Saturday.Meanwhile other issues discussed during the talks were terrorism, water dispute and Kashmir.Pakistan Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani said the water dispute between Pakistan and India is very important, adding that the issue of Kashmir also needs to be resolved.The Foreign Secretaries of India and Pakistan also agreed that the issue of terrorism is one that plagues both countries and must be solved collectively.While speaking to the media Jilani said that the agenda of Saturday’s talks between the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and India has also been decided in the secretary level meeting.A report of the talks between the foreign secretaries will be submitted to the Foreign Ministers of both the countries.Visitors would have to apply for visa about 45 days before they set on journey.Old aged citizens would be issued vise at Wahga border and Attary border for stay of 45 days.Indian Foreign Minister was hailed by Foreign Office officials and Indian High Commissioner Shart Sabherwal at Chaklala Airbase.While talking to the media, SM Karishna said that strong Pakistan is in favour of the region.Indian FM would also meet President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister.
