With tensions rising between Pakistan and India following a couple of recent incidents of prisoner violence on both sides of the border, Islamabad on Tuesday released a warning for its citizens against visiting neighbouring India.
“The government of Pakistan wishes to advise its citizens who are planning to travel to India to exercise due caution and care while travelling to various parts of India,” an advisory issued by the Foreign Office said.
“We have seen some disturbing reports in the Indian media which indicate that the safety and security of Pakistani visitors to India, including that of over 600 Zaireen scheduled to visit Ajmer Sharif for the annual Urs this month, may be in jeopardy,” said the statement.
“The government of Pakistan would also call upon the government of India to ensure that necessary arrangements are in place to provide full protection to all Pakistani visitors to India,” the Foreign Office said.
The statement was issued amid reports that some protestors had attacked “Dosti Bus Service” in Amritsar and the driver of the vehicle, Mohammad Khalil, had to run away with the bus and seek security cover inside a police station. Later, a police squad escorted the bus to Wagha border.
Indian forces also opened indiscriminate fire into Pakistan Monday night which was retaliated from Pakistan side.
The latest tensions were triggered following the death of Sarabjit Singh, an Indian national who was attacked by his inmates at Kot Lakhpat Jail last week in Lahore, Pakistan, allegedly over a dispute for drug-related money.
Sarabjit was a RAW spy who was involved in terrorist attacks inside Pakistan and was responsible for killing over a dozen citizens. He was sentenced to death in a court verdict. However, his hanging had been delayed as his mercy appeal had been pending with the presidency without any action.
The incident triggered a “tit-for-tat” attack on Sanaullah Ranjay, a Pakistani inmate serving a term in a jail in Jammu, Indian-held Kashmir.
Sanaullah is severely injured and is hospitalised at Chandigarh. The family of Sanaullah have been issued visas and they also left for India to see him due to his critical health condition.
