India Refuses to Grant Visas to Pakistani Air Traffic Controllers

India refused to grant visas to a team of Pakistani air traffic controllers (ATCs) who were set to attend the Asia-Pacific International Air Traffic Controllers Conference held from November 9 to 11 in New Delhi.

This decision adds to the diplomatic hurdles impacting regional events and collaborations, highlighting ongoing challenges between the two nations.

The three-member delegation from Pakistan’s ATC Guild had planned to join industry professionals from across Asia-Pacific to discuss advancements and shared challenges in air traffic management.

Despite submitting their visa applications weeks in advance, the Pakistani delegation was notified that their visas would not be issued, effectively barring them from attending.

This isn’t the first time that visa denials have affected Pakistani nationals aiming to visit India for regional events. Earlier in the year, India rejected the visa applications of 118 Pakistani pilgrims who intended to attend the annual urs celebrations of the revered Sufi saint Hazrat Amir Khusrau.

Out of 198 applications submitted by Pakistan’s federal religious affairs ministry, only 80 visas were granted, leaving many pilgrims unable to attend the April 23–30 events in Delhi.

The rejections have left a lasting impact, with Pakistani attendees and officials expressing disappointment at the ongoing restrictions, which many feel hinder opportunities for cultural and professional exchanges in the region.