India denies visas to Pakistan nationals for Urs in Ajmer

India has decided not to grant visas to Pakistan nationals wishing to attend the Urs of Hazrat Khawaja Moinuddn Chishti at Ajmer Sharif. Justifying the decision, the Indian government said on Monday there had been instances in the past when such visits did not take place from both sides.

''Such visits are facilitated and promoted and visas granted after following due process. However, from time to time, such visits cannot take place in view of the prevailing circumstances and absence of requisite security clearances,'' said a source in the government.

Sources were reacting to reports from Islamabad, which quoted the Pakistan Foreign Office as expressing disappointment over denial of visas



by India to 503 Pakistani nationals intending to attend the Urs.

In a statement, Pakistan's Foreign Office Spokesperson Muhammad Faisal said the visit was to take place under the 1974 Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines and is a regular annual feature.

Earlier, he added, as many as 192 Pakistani Zaireen could not participate in the Urs of Hazrat Khawaja Nizamuddin Aulia (RA) in Delhi in January 2018 due to the non-issuance of Indian visas.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed greetings and best wishes to the followers of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in India and abroad on the occasion of the 806th annual Urs.