Only 11 from Modi's entourage were issued visas: Aziz
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ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Tuesday said the journalists and dignitaries part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's entourage on his recent surprise visit to Pakistan were not allowed outside the Lahore airport.
Responding to criticism from certain sections of media regarding violation of immigration protocol during Modi's Lahore visit, Aziz said only the Indian PM and 11 of his personal staff members were given a 72-hour visa, and the full immigration process was followed in this regard.
Related: Modi returns to India after surprise Pakistan visit
Giving a policy statement in Senate on the Nawaz-Modi Jati Umra meeting, the adviser clarified that no 'foreigner' was allowed to go outside the airport without valid visa, contrary to what had been reported in certain sections of the media.
He said the meeting between the two prime ministers in Lahore was a "great goodwill gesture" that can pave the way for better relations between the two countries.
Aziz said it was decided that foreign secretaries of both countries would meet in Islamabad on Jan 14-15, 2016.
The adviser said the government was not hiding facts from the public, adding that the upward trajectory in Indo-Pak ties was a result of "effective diplomacy."
COAS's Kabul visit
When questioned by Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Raheel Sharif's recent visit to Afghanistan, Aziz said he could not comment because the visit was under the domain of the ministry of defence, not the ministry of foreign affairs.
He added that the army chief's trip was reported widely in press, to which the Senate chief expressed displeasure, saying the "House does not need press reports."
Related: COAS meets Afghan President and Chief Executive in Kabul
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On DawnNews
Comments (56) Closed
Dec 29, 2015 06:32pm
Unwanted and useless controversy for no reason...
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Dec 29, 2015 06:38pm
This is a great security lapse , COAS should personally investigate this, our security is seriously compromised by the carelessness of the govt.
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Dec 29, 2015 06:54pm
@taimoor khan what's the security lapse here??
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Dec 29, 2015 06:59pm
@taimoor khan What was the security lapse? None of the members of Modi entourage except for 11 were issued visa and the rest were not allowed to leave airport premises. This is highly appreciable compliance of rules and regulations.
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Dec 29, 2015 07:04pm
You need a visa to enter this country. Hindustani ministers or whatever are no exception
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Dec 29, 2015 07:05pm
@Azhar Malik don't even know why we allow these people in in the first place
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Dec 29, 2015 07:30pm
Should India respond to this by issuing only ONE visa when PM of Pakistan visits India.
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Dec 29, 2015 07:34pm
@Rajesh Would u allow anyone enter India without visa??
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Dec 29, 2015 07:40pm
@Sonny Afridi people like you are biggest threat.... you people will never both nations to become friends... and use each and every small opportunity to spoil the atmosphere
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Dec 29, 2015 07:46pm
Only 11 were granted visa, and there was no security breach.. I am hopeful that one day we need no visa for travel between our country.... Welcome Mr Nawaz sometime to India.
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Dec 29, 2015 07:59pm
What a big deal.
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Dec 29, 2015 08:08pm
@Sonny Afridi for ur info there are many pakistanis who come to iIndia for their medical conditions. People have objected to cricket but not for humanity. So think before u post. A friendly advise from ur big brother.
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Dec 29, 2015 08:08pm
Nawas sharief is sincere. He should be encouraged. Appeal to Pakistani not to derail NS.
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Dec 29, 2015 08:11pm
@taimoor khan - I am a Pakistani living in the west - you my friend are the reason Donald trump wants to keep Muslims out of America- please grow up and give peace a chance - and please don't ever apply for a visa to visit the west
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Dec 29, 2015 08:13pm
@Nilesh - well said Nilesh - we need more people like you on both sides of the border
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Dec 29, 2015 08:14pm
pakistan's mehman nawazi was really wonderful
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Dec 29, 2015 08:14pm
It was an extraordinary trip, and exceptional steps were warranted. I don't think we should be getting lost in weeds. This trip should lay the foundation of easy visit visas for people from both sides. I know it is a long putt, European Union is a good model to follow.
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Dec 29, 2015 08:22pm
A day is near when there will be no border or visa between two countries like EU. Thank you Nawaz Sharif
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Dec 29, 2015 08:25pm
@Sonny Afridi Good to shut off the rest of the world but unfortunately we live in a mutually-dependent world. It is good idea to be open to other human beings and good to each other even if they come from outside the borders.
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Dec 29, 2015 08:31pm
I demand visa-free entry for Pakistanis (and SAARC nationals) as we do in case of Nepalese and Bhutanese. All rules are for human beings only, the wisest animal on the earth. 'Panchhi, nadiya, hawa ke jhonke... koi sarhad na inhe roke..' Welcome Pakistanis!
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Dec 29, 2015 08:31pm
@Sonny Afridi It was lucky for Pakistan and India that you were/are not the Pakistan foreign affairs minister. Let people talk to each other and we may learn some thing valuable from each other. Patience and good will for example.
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Dec 29, 2015 08:32pm
It was an amazing trip. I hope lot of good comes out of this.
The visa thing is fully explained. Let us not manufacture issues.
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Dec 29, 2015 08:40pm
@Nasir- excellent comments
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Dec 29, 2015 08:40pm
We dont want any personal friendship until and unless Kashmir issue is resolved . No peace at the cost of innocent blood of Kashmiri brothers and sisters !
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Dec 29, 2015 08:51pm
@Nilesh To India perhaps
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Dec 29, 2015 08:54pm
Unfortunately, Indians want pacifism from Pakistani side only . What was the need to go through the independence struggle if Pakistan had to compromise on every security issue? What about terrorism from the other side of the border
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Dec 29, 2015 09:17pm
What is if PM Modi ask for a visit on way back to Afghanistan and our foreign office have said "please wait for 3 days to finalize the formalities" In cross border diplomacy there are always room for adhoc decisions and planning, nothing new.
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Dec 29, 2015 09:20pm
@Nadeem yes sure , visa matter is not so important , the 2 PM are meeting, visa is clerical job.
Why you hype this so much.
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Dec 29, 2015 09:23pm
"ab to aana jaana laga rahega". If South Asia rises like one, we can regain our lost glory, our civilization, our philosophy, our spirituality. That will be good news because what people need now is peace and contentment.
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Dec 29, 2015 09:38pm
Everyone in South Asia should be able to travel freely. The 2 Prime Ministers have set the ball rolling. Please give Peace a chance.
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Dec 29, 2015 10:26pm
Peace is not in allowing free trade and free travel without visa. Peace is in doing justice to the oppressed people and removing unjustified occupation on water and resources.
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Dec 29, 2015 11:12pm
Mr Nawaz Sharif is behaving very very matured and taking Pakistan into right direction. This visit by Mr. Modi is a big step in closing the distance in between the two nations. It is a shame that Pakistani media is trying to create a controversy out of nothing and a lesson for common people like us that what you hear is not always true.
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Dec 29, 2015 11:24pm
Telling lies all the time is such a difficult job but with bigs perks and privileges
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Dec 29, 2015 11:38pm
I am sure India will do the same as a kind return !!!
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Dec 30, 2015 12:05am
Now after this gesture of pak PM n most ppl who are supportive of peace like many who commented except few who are gifted with finding fault in everything India deffinately needs to do more. PM Nawaz ji is a star now in India too for the risk he took.
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Dec 30, 2015 12:19am
Adviser to the Pakistani Prime Minister has appropriately responded. The important thing is that the reconciliation process progressed substantially.
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Dec 30, 2015 01:55am
@Nadeem "@Rajesh Would u allow anyone enter India without visa??"
No and neither did Pakistan. The controversy is unnecessary since there was no vioolation of Pakistan's rules.If you read the article, you would have figured that out.
@Taimoor Khan : "This is a great security lapse , COAS should personally investigate this, our security is seriously compromised by the carelessness of the govt"
Did you read the article? There was no security lapse. COnsequently noone's security was compromised.
@Sonny Afridi "You need a visa to enter this country. Hindustani ministers or whatever are no exception"
Who asked for an exception? No one. Who was given an exception? No one. Did you read the article before commenting?
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Dec 30, 2015 01:56am
Permission should have been granted to his entire entourage so they could have experienced Lahori hospitality and good will. People of Pakistan want a friendly relationship. It takes a friend to make a friend.
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Dec 30, 2015 02:56am
Has anyone ever heard of Islamic hospitality for visitors and guests ? Why do people always get embroiled in pointless bureaucracy.
Anyone and everyone should be welcome who knocks on your door, including Modi or anyone else, regardless.
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Dec 30, 2015 03:13am
@taimoor khan You just have to say some thing with out reading???
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Dec 30, 2015 03:17am
@Sonny Afridi Are you serious or just ignorant...
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Dec 30, 2015 03:37am
@Rehman Actually I think Sonny Afridi here his sentiment is representative of many of us Pakistanis. Why should we entertain BJP fanatics or allow non-visa holders to even enter Pakistan?
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Dec 30, 2015 03:48am
We are Pakistanis. We make mountain out of a mole and see conspiracy everywhere. No immigration rules are violated here because only 11 people visited Pakistan and were duly issued 72 hours visas.The rest were kept confined to transit lounge. Those who travel abroad would know what I am saying.
In fact SAARC country diplomatic visas are given on arrival. So all could have been given visas not just 11 without breaking rule.
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Dec 30, 2015 04:40am
It's sad to see my countrymen raising eyebrows on an immaterial and minescule matter. After all the aggression, it was a good gesture from Modi and we should respect that. He and his entourage can be given visa even after they landed at Lahore airport in return of his goodwill gesture. Why a fuss of security lapse? I am sure we were monitoring his entourage movement as part of the security plan. What's the issue here? If he has taken step towards us we should honor that whole heartedly.
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Dec 30, 2015 05:32am
grow up people!!
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Dec 30, 2015 09:40am
@Nasir : Very well said, Nasir!
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Dec 30, 2015 01:49pm
@taimoor khan Although it is important that correct procedure is followed , perhaps the potential , however small for improved relations on just terms , would perhaps justify breaking the rules in this case.
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Dec 30, 2015 01:51pm
@Sonny Afridi For the purpose of developing communication.
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Dec 30, 2015 02:01pm
@Qadir Baloch Perhaps increased travel between Pakistan and India would enable a more accurate and realistic awareness about each other on both sides. This would make it more difficult for those who would promote conflict between the two countries where in particular aspects this is counterproductive.
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Dec 30, 2015 05:12pm
Pakistan should realize the real reason for this sudden warmth being shown by the Indian PM. Remember the promises made by India before ICC's Big Three vote? Once they reached their goal promises were broken.
This time around India is aspiring for the permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Being in a state of war with a neighbor would be considered a negative plus Pakistan can, thru China's veto, keep them from getting there. Hence, the push for peace. Promises will once again be broken once they have wahat they want.
Pakistan Beware!!!
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Dec 30, 2015 05:15pm
@Nasir stay in the West. Good riddance to bad rubbish!!!
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Dec 31, 2015 08:13am
@Rational :: That was a very mature response - thank you my Pakistani friend - appreciate that very much indeed.
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Dec 31, 2015 10:10am
@skb I'm Very serious actually.
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Dec 31, 2015 01:18pm
@Sonny Afridi
Entering an airport doesn't require a visa in most countries- that's how passengers transit from country to country( for eg. UAE). So technically speaking- if the Indian team didn't exit the airport they shouldn't have broken the laws of immigration- and the ones who did leave( all 11 of them) they had a visa.
Maybe we should be glad a person of your high caliber isn't part of foreign relations because then we would know which direction the peace process is heading.
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Dec 31, 2015 02:12pm
Of course there will be negative effects in the beginning for manufacturing base.
But then, everything will sort out later.
Atmosphere will brighten for next generation.
In any case, Pakistan is already availing robust healthcare system in India.
The circuitous trading via Dubai will be eliminated.
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Dec 31, 2015 08:12pm
@karan I don't believe in peace with India until Kashmir is resolved. And let me assure you we Pakistanis have a different criteria. Nawaz Sharif does not represent the true sentiment of Pakistanis/Kashmiris.
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