The issue of excessive rejection of Canadian visas for Pakistani nationals has finally been raised by Pakistan.
The Canadian High Commissioner in Islamabad was called and the objection was raised formally in the meeting. Canadian High Commission in Islamabad has been rejecting Pakistan’s visa without a valid reason.
Islamabad raised its concerns saying that in order to have strong bilateral relations between the two countries it is very important that Pakistanis can get into Canada and vice versa. Students taking part in different exchange programs and genuine businessmen from Pakistan traveling to Canada were not granted visas without any reason.
The rejections came without a solid justification and when the number increased, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Ecommerce, Pervez Malik, called on the Canadian High Commissioner. Malik argues that due to this issue Pakistan was unable to participate in the SIAL food show in Canada.
Back in July, Canada turned down all the visa requests of Pakistani participants in the Fourth World Youth Congress. Most of the participants were young graduates and social activists. The organizers from Pakistan for the event were bewildered by the decision since they informed the Canadian government 2 years ago.
The Federal Minister said in the meeting that exchange of people and knowledge is very important for consistent relations between the two countries and turning down so many people without justification is hurting the ties between us.
The Federal Minister also asked the high commissioner that travel advisories issued by Canadian government discourage businessmen from traveling to Pakistan. They should, instead be issued, for certain areas of Pakistan rather than the whole country.
Back in 2007, Pakistan and Canada established a joint working group. Pakistan’s side gave a set of Terms of Reference to identify all the issues that come in the way of the business and bilateral trade. Canada is yet to respond on those ToRs.