Traders and industrialists in this commercial hub of the country have lauded Islamabad’s decision to sign an agreement on liberalized visa regime with India. They believe the move would relax curbs on issuing travel documents to traders, elderly people, tourists, pilgrims, members of the civil society and children living across the Line of Control. In a joint statement Patron In-Chief Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) S M Muneer, Chairman Mohammad Zubair Chhaya, President All Karachi Industrial Alliance, Mian Zahid Hussain and Vice Chairmen, Niaz Ahmed and Najmul Arfeen termed the development a good omen towards bilateral relations between the two countries. They said the 38-year-old visa pact had been replaced with the new pact that says visa has to be issued in a period of not exceeding 45 days of application which is a good move. The industrialists said under the new system, one could visit five places instead of three at present and those above 65 and children below 12 years of age and eminent businessmen were exempted from police reporting. The traders welcomed the federal cabinet’s decision to approve three agreements regarding customs and certification issues, which were also signed by officials of the commerce ministries of both countries in September. S M Muneer, who is also of president India-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IPCCI), said due to IPCCI’s efforts and with the help of both countries’ apex trade bodies, many milestones for strengthening bilateral trade relations had been achieved.
