No threat to Pakistani citizens visiting India: Indian embassy

Following rumours about a travel advisory issued by the Pakistan foreign office, the Indian High Commission's spokesperson in Islamabad on Thursday said "we are issuing visas to Pakistani citizens as per routine", the media reported.

“There is no delay in issuing visas to Pakistani citizens and our activities are continuing as per routine,” Dawn online quoted First Secretary (Press & Information) Balbir Singh as saying.

Responding to a question regarding recent activities by the right wing Shiv Sena against Pakistani citizens, the high commission spokesperson said there was no threat to Pakistani citizens visiting India.

“It is media hype and the situation on the ground is very different in India,” said Balbir Singh.

However, a senior official from the Foreign Office told Dawn that the ministry was in constant touch with the Pakistani high commission in New Delhi, and it is important for Pakistani citizens in India to remain in touch with the mission in view of the recent activities.

Significantly, the Pakistani foreign office has not yet issued a travel advisory to Pakistani citizens travelling to India.

“We are observing the situation and if it remains the same due to the activities of Shiv Sena, the authorities may issue a travel advisory for our citizens,” said the government official.

The official added that an advisory has not been issued yet, as the top leadership of the country is travelling to the US on an official visit. - IANS