New Delhi: Pakistan has not so far reciprocated the visa liberalisation measures announced by India on September 18 this year, Government told the Lok Sabha today (Dec 1, 2004).

In order to facilitate people-to-people contacts and mindful of humanitarian considerations, the Government had announced unilateral relaxation of the grant of visas to the Pakistani nationals, Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed said in a written reply.

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He said the relaxations are being implemented appropriately and the Indian High Commission in Islamabad has been issuing about 6,000-7,000 visas per month, including to academicians, journalists and doctors.

"The Government of Pakistan has so far not reciprocated the visa liberalisation measures announced by India," the minister said.

He said the Indian decision covers accredited journalists of Pakistan with minimum three years accreditation with national or international media of repute, academicians and professors, and vice-chancellors.

Pakistanis coming on the invitation of reputed universities and institutions, medical practitioners, if accompanying patients for treatment at leading hospitals in India and those above the age of 65 years are also eligible under the decision, Ahamed said.

He said decision encompasses permission to Pakistani nationals to visit upto 12 places during each visit.