Pakistani Entrepreneur Lands In Mumbai Boarding A Indigo Flight, Without Indian Visa, LEGALLY Stays For 6 Hours; Here Is How | Screengrab, Instagram (@waqashassn) and Pinterest
Mumbai: A Pakistani businessman announced that he flew to India on an IndiGo aircraft, astonishing many. Although Pakistani passport holders can travel to India by acquiring a visa, the visa application procedure for Pakistani citizens is stricter because of historical conflicts and security issues between India and Pakistan. Leisure travel between the two nations is uncommon.
A Pakistani entrepreneur, Waqas Hassan, has grabbed everyone’s attention by travelling to India on an IndiGo flight, revealing that Pakistani passport holders can transit through India without a visa for connecting flights.
The visa process for Pakistani citizens is typically stringent due to the long-standing tensions between India and Pakistan, making leisure travel uncommon. Hassan’s journey from Singapore to Saudi Arabia included a six-hour layover in Mumbai, where he explained in an Instagram video that Pakistani travelers can only remain in the airport during such layovers.
During his stay at Mumbai airport, Hassan enjoyed the amenities, bought souvenirs, and sampled the local snack, vada pav, expressing delight in the experience. He shared that he chose an Indian airline for cost-effective travel options from east to west. Despite the legal allowance for transit, he mentioned he was unaware of this option for many years and felt some apprehension when booking his ticket.
Upon presenting his Pakistani passport at the airport, Hassan noted the surprise it elicited among officials, revealing that few Pakistanis undertake such travel. His video has gone viral on social media, prompting varied reactions. Some users advocate for easier travel between the two nations, expressing a desire for cultural exchange, while others questioned the experience of being unable to exit the airport. Overall, Hassan’s journey illustrates the complexities and nuances of travel between India and Pakistan, opening discussions on broader access and understanding between the two countries.
