Saturday, June 11 2005 12:10 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: With more Indians visiting Pakistan, the Interior Ministry yesterday (Jun 10, 2005) issued fresh visa rules asking visitors to file applications at least eight weeks in advance.

Visa applications on the form prescribed by the Ministry of Interior must be received eight weeks in advance, in triplicate, an official statement said in Islamabad.

Applications received at short notice shall not be entertained, it added.

The recent thaw in India-Pakistan relations has provided opportunities to many Pakistani organizations to invite large number of Indians for cultural shows, seminars, conferences, business trips, it said.

Due to lack of knowledge of the procedure involved, most requests are received at a very short notice and Ministry is expected to issue clearance in a short span of time, it said adding in such situation, repeated calls and requests by the organizers cause embarrassment to the Ministry.

The statement also asked Ministries organising events involving Indians to comply with the new rule.

The Ministry has already issued instructions to follow the laid down procedure announced at different occasions. For cultural and sports functions, the ministry of Cultural, Sports & Youth Affairs Division will be consulted invariably, it said.

Visa applications must be accompanied by photocopies of valid passports, the statement said.