India refuses visas to Pakistani ATCs, impacts regional events

NEW DEHLI: India’s decision to deny visas to a three-member Pakistani delegation of air traffic controllers has added another layer of tension to the already strained relations between the two nations.

The Pakistan Air Traffic Controllers Guild members were set to attend the Asia-Pacific International Air Traffic Controllers Conference in New Delhi from November 9 to 11, but despite submitting their visa applications well in advance, they were informed that their visas would not be issued.

This isn’t the first instance of visa denials affecting Pakistani nationals aiming to visit India for regional events. Earlier this year, India rejected visa applications of 118 Pakistani pilgrims who intended to attend the annual Urs celebrations of revered Sufi saint Hazrat Amir Khusrau.

Out of 198 applications submitted by Pakistan’s federal religious affairs ministry, only 80 visas were granted, leaving many pilgrims unable to attend the events in Delhi.

The rejections have sparked disappointment among Pakistani attendees and officials, who feel that these restrictions hinder opportunities for cultural and professional exchanges in the region.

The denial of visas to air traffic controllers has also raised concerns about the impact on regional collaborations, particularly in areas requiring international cooperation like air traffic management.

The strained relations between India and Pakistan have been longstanding, with tensions centered around various issues, including terrorism and Kashmir. Pakistan’s alleged involvement in state-sponsored terrorism has been a major point of contention, with India accusing Pakistan of supporting militant groups in Kashmir.