India has decided to issue 3,000 visas to Pakistani nationals ahead of the ensuing limited over cricket series between the two nations beginning on December 25.
For the first time, India agreed to issue multiple city visas to cricket lovers from the neighbouring country, provided they produce tickets for the matches, travelling tickets and hotel reservation slips.
The decision has been conveyed to Pakistan, Home Ministry sources said. A total of 1,000 visas will be issued for the match scheduled in New Delhi and 500 each for the matches to be played in Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Kolkata.
Matches
The two teams will play three ODIs and two T20s between December 25, 2012 and January 6, 2013. The ODIs will be played in Chennai, Kolkata and New Delhi and the T20s in Bangalore and Ahmedabad. However, no Pakistani cricket fan will be allowed to cross the border on foot through the Wagah border.
The decisions followed a series of meetings by a high-level special committee comprising officials of the Home Ministry and security agencies in the last one month.
Precaution
Sources said extra precautions will be taken before granting visas as several Pakistanis in the past have gone missing after arriving in India to watch cricket matches.
Twelve Pakistani men, who came to India for the last India-Pakistan bilateral cricket series held in November- December 2007, did not return home and are yet to be traced.