<p>India and Pakistan on Friday formally operationalised a new visa agreement that would facilitate multiple-entry and reporting-free visas for businessmen, besides allowing visa on arrival for the elderly.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The new agreement would replace a 38-year old tardy visa regime signed in 1974 by two countries.<br /><br />Announcing the new regime, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said, “This new visa regime will pave the way in promoting people-to-people contact. We have already issued circular to all Indian missions abroad and state governments notifying the introduction of the new visa regime.”<br /><br />Malik said: “It is a historic moment and a step forward towards peace, for which we have been waiting for generations.”<br /><br />At several points during his candid speech, Malik tried to project himself as the standard-bearer of initiatives to consolidate bilateral relations between the two nations. However, he almost stoked controversy by questioning the evidence handed over to Pakistan by the Centre to seek action against the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, including mastermind Hafiz Sayeed.<br /><br />“Terrorism brings grief. We do not want 9/11, Mumbai blasts, Samjhauta and Babri Masjid demolition,” quipped Malik, causing a flutter among the Indian delegation. <br /><br />Earlier in the day, Malik told reporters: “We have no love lost for Hafiz Saeed. If I get the information today before I leave, I will order his arrest.” Without taking any names, Malik said: “A lot of propaganda was unleashed to pressure Pakistan on the 26/11 attacks. I have been receiving dossiers with only information.” He also asserted that Sayeed’s involvement in the 26/11 attacks cannot decided based on Ajmal Kasab’s statement. “It needs further corroboration.”<br /><br />Sayeed, Malik said, was arrested three times. “We will not leave any stones unturned. You will see conviction. We have also lost 40,000 innocent lives,” Malik said. <br /><br />“I am very happy that you have been very outspoken. Earlier, on three or four occasions, promises made were not fulfilled. But now, you have assured us of fulfilling the promises,” remarked Shinde, indicating that Malik had walked the extra mile without actually stopping Pakistan from harbouring terrorists.<br /><br />“After Kasab was hanged I publicly said that I respected the court’s judgement,” Malik said, emphasising that Pakistan courts have also refused to entertain evidences provided by India on 26/11 conspirators. <br /><br />Volleying questions on the alleged torture of Kargil martyr Captain Saurabh Kalia by the Pakistan army, Malik said he was not aware whether Kalia “died of a Pak bullet or weather.”<br /><br />The delegations of both countries had a discussion on internal security issues. Malik, who is here on a three-day visit, is expected to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at 11 am on Saturday. Thereafter, Malik is scheduled to meet National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon, before winding up with a meeting with Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj.</p>
<p>India and Pakistan on Friday formally operationalised a new visa agreement that would facilitate multiple-entry and reporting-free visas for businessmen, besides allowing visa on arrival for the elderly.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The new agreement would replace a 38-year old tardy visa regime signed in 1974 by two countries.<br /><br />Announcing the new regime, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said, “This new visa regime will pave the way in promoting people-to-people contact. We have already issued circular to all Indian missions abroad and state governments notifying the introduction of the new visa regime.”<br /><br />Malik said: “It is a historic moment and a step forward towards peace, for which we have been waiting for generations.”<br /><br />At several points during his candid speech, Malik tried to project himself as the standard-bearer of initiatives to consolidate bilateral relations between the two nations. However, he almost stoked controversy by questioning the evidence handed over to Pakistan by the Centre to seek action against the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, including mastermind Hafiz Sayeed.<br /><br />“Terrorism brings grief. We do not want 9/11, Mumbai blasts, Samjhauta and Babri Masjid demolition,” quipped Malik, causing a flutter among the Indian delegation. <br /><br />Earlier in the day, Malik told reporters: “We have no love lost for Hafiz Saeed. If I get the information today before I leave, I will order his arrest.” Without taking any names, Malik said: “A lot of propaganda was unleashed to pressure Pakistan on the 26/11 attacks. I have been receiving dossiers with only information.” He also asserted that Sayeed’s involvement in the 26/11 attacks cannot decided based on Ajmal Kasab’s statement. “It needs further corroboration.”<br /><br />Sayeed, Malik said, was arrested three times. “We will not leave any stones unturned. You will see conviction. We have also lost 40,000 innocent lives,” Malik said. <br /><br />“I am very happy that you have been very outspoken. Earlier, on three or four occasions, promises made were not fulfilled. But now, you have assured us of fulfilling the promises,” remarked Shinde, indicating that Malik had walked the extra mile without actually stopping Pakistan from harbouring terrorists.<br /><br />“After Kasab was hanged I publicly said that I respected the court’s judgement,” Malik said, emphasising that Pakistan courts have also refused to entertain evidences provided by India on 26/11 conspirators. <br /><br />Volleying questions on the alleged torture of Kargil martyr Captain Saurabh Kalia by the Pakistan army, Malik said he was not aware whether Kalia “died of a Pak bullet or weather.”<br /><br />The delegations of both countries had a discussion on internal security issues. Malik, who is here on a three-day visit, is expected to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at 11 am on Saturday. Thereafter, Malik is scheduled to meet National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon, before winding up with a meeting with Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj.</p>
