Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir), Dec. 19 (ANI): People travelling between the India and Pakistan administered parts of Kashmir voiced their appreciation over the relaxation in visa rules between both countries.
India and Pakistan sealed an agreement to ease tough visa restrictions for travellers last week to rebuild relations that soured after the 26/11-terror attack in Mumbai in 2008.
Travellers at Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir said that it was now possible for them to travel more conveniently to meet their families across the border.
"The easing of rules for permits from eight to 15 days is great news for those seeking to travel to their families in times of joy and grief. The talks between the Interior Ministers have raised hopes of even better things in the future. People who have not met for over 50 years can finally do so, and this is a gift from God," said Mohammad Hafeez, a resident of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Amid emotional scenes where long-lost relatives reunited, some travellers said there should be provisions to prioritise and fast track the process of issuing visas to the elderly.
"It is inappropriate for old people like me to be kept waiting. There should be provisions for the elderly and for children, where they can get their permits in a very short time, and travel to meet their dear ones," said another traveller, Mohammad Latif.
Under the previous arrangement, Pakistani business travellers were restricted to certain cities, prohibiting their travel from Delhi to the nearby thriving business hub of Gurgaon without permission.
The change will permit visitors to travel to five places now instead of three and some businessmen will get multiple-entry visas, exempting them from reporting to the police.
The two governments agreed to relax visa rules in principle in September, when former Indian foreign minister S M Krishna visited Islamabad.
The revised visa-on-arrival rules will come into effect from January 15, 2013 and the group tourist visa from March 15, 2013. (ANI)
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