RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.338
TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.12.2018
PERMISSION FOR VISITING PAKISTAN
338. SARDAR SUKHDEV SINGH DHINDSA:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is mandatory to get prior permission for central Ministers and Ministry’s in the states/MPs to visit Pakistan;
(b) if so, the nodal authority competent to accord such permission;
(c) whether any advisory is given to the Ministers who visit Pakistan;
(d) the details of permission accorded during each of the last three years;
(e) whether any complaints have been received against Ministers/MPs/Ex MPs for indulging in anti-National activities and
(f) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) It is mandatory for Ministers of Central Government and Ministers in the states/MPs to seek clearance from political angle for going to any country, including Pakistan.
(b) The Ministry of External Affairs examines and accords clearance from political angle for all visits outside India, including Pakistan.
(c) Delegations are advised to coordinate with respective Missions abroad, in this case with the High Commission of India in Islamabad.
(d) List of Ministers, MPs and Ministers in the States who visited Pakistan since 30 November 2015 is attached herewith at Annexure.
(e) As per available records, no complaints of anti-national activities involving our delegations have been received by the High Commission of India in Islamabad during the period of their visits.
(f) Not applicable.
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