India has denied visas to a Pakistani delegation of air traffic controllers (ATCs) who were scheduled to participate in the International Air Traffic Controllers Asia-Pacific Conference, set to take place from November 9 to 11, 2024, in New Delhi. This move has escalated tensions, as diplomatic issues continue to affect cross-border participation in regional events.
The three-member Pakistani ATC Guild delegation had applied for visas several weeks in advance, but they were informed that their visa requests had been rejected. As a result, the delegation was unable to travel to India for the conference, which brings together air traffic professionals from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss industry advancements and foster cooperation.
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This visa denial comes after a similar situation earlier this year, when India refused to grant visas to 118 Pakistani nationals who wished to attend the annual urs celebrations of Hazrat Amir Khusrau. Only 80 individuals from Pakistan were allowed to attend the event, which took place in New Delhi from April 23 to 30, 2024. The federal religious affairs ministry had submitted 198 visa applications, but the majority were rejected, leaving many disappointed pilgrims who had traveled to Lahore to wait for their visas before returning home.
These actions highlight the ongoing diplomatic challenges between the two nations, which continue to affect cultural, religious, and professional exchanges.
