ISLAMABAD: The Indian High Commission in Pakistan on Tuesday issued visas to Pakistani students on the urgent basis, enabling them to participate in the 10th Asian Science Camp.
The Seven day Asian Science Camp organized by Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore during 21st -27th August 2016 aims to fuel the scientific inquisitiveness of young students and promote international cooperation among young students in Asia Australia and Oceania.
The delegation of Pakistani students left for India today (Wednesday) through the Wagah border crossing.
The delay in issuance of the visa, according to a Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) spokesperson Rehana Batool, was because the Ministry of Interior issued the NOC to the students on August 22 — one day after the event was started.
“The Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) started the visa process on August 23,” she said, adding: “A day earlier, it was impossible for the students to get Indian visas because of stringent rules.”
An Indian diplomat, on conditions of anonymity, said that students could still attend the conference, although it has already been started.
“India always “encourages people-to-people contact”,” he said. ““I think Pakistani students can still go and interact with Nobel laureates,” the diplomat added.
The delegation attending the camp include four students and an official from the PSF. The students who are attending the camp are Ahmad Sher Zaman from the Allama Iqbal Medical College/Jinnah hospital, Lahore, Muhammad Uzair, UET, Lahore, Amir Naveed from GIKI and Muhammad Harris from NED Karachi and Hasnain, an official from the PSF.
