Web Desk
Pakistan and India have issued assignment visas to each other’s diplomats after a gap of around 28 months as both sides are trying to nomalise ties that have been on ice since 2019, according to media reports.
On August 5, 2019, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi withdrew Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status to tighten his grip over the territory, provoking outrage in Pakistan and the downgrading of diplomatic ties and suspension of bilateral trade.
Pakistan and India have issued a large number of assignment visas to each other’s diplomatic staff in recent weeks, according to media reports.
Both countries have issued visas on all applications submitted by March 15 this year.
Pakistan issued visas to 33 Indian officials, while seven Pakistani diplomats received assignment visas from India.
According to English newspaper, Express Tribune, there was a possibility of an agreement between Pakistan and India to issue visas on assignment applications.
The two countries are likely to issue more visas to each other’s diplomats after that.
Countries around the world issue assignment visas to diplomats and embassy staff from other countries.
In January this year, top intelligence officers from the two countries held secret talks in Dubai, reopening a back channel of diplomacy aimed at a modest roadmap to normalising ties over the next several months.
Later in February, the two countries’ militaries announced an unexpected joint ceasefire.
