(Disclaimer: this is a work of fiction. Learn to take a joke; you’ll live longer)
ABU DHABI/ISLAMABAD – According to officials of the Travel Agents Association of Pakistani Politicians (TAAPP), visas to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leaders have been suspended until further notice.
No particular detail has been provided for the visa rejection, TAAPPP officials said, but it is reliably learnt that the UAE authorities expect a surge in visa applications from the members of the PPP in the coming weeks.
“If the hotchpotch alliance with the Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT) fails in Lahore, there might be a PPP inflow to Dubai that we mightn’t be willing to cater to right now,” a UAE government official told The Dependent.
However, the official clarified that once this expected peak time is over they would start to ease things in the coming months.
“The next suspension is expected after the elections in Pakistan, after which both the party members and voters might apply for visas in unison,” the official said adding that there could be a ban for as long as six months after the elections to ensure that the flow is countered.
A TAAPPP official confirmed that the visa restrictions had been imposed for PPP only, as most of the leadership is already in Dubai.
However, the UAE officials told The Dependent that the situation is normal for everyone else, “especially retired Army officers”.
“Visitors are advised not to fall for rumours and always verify news with official UAE/Dubai government agencies especially if they are retired Army officers from Pakistan,” the official statement said.
