Pakistan and India have officially resumed the issuance of India-Pakistan visas between the Pakistani and Indian embassies for diplomatic staff, paving the way for filling up vacant posts in Islamabad and New Delhi. Foreign Ministry sources have confirmed that around a dozen assignment visas have been issued by the two countries. If you are preparing for an official posting or looking after the administrative affairs of the diplomatic staff, the end of the deadlock means that the stalled files are now moving forward. For this process it is necessary to strictly follow the rules laid down by the Foreign Office.

Who are eligible for assignment visa?

Not every government employee or traveler falls into this restored category, as the current approval applies only to approved diplomatic and consular personnel. You are eligible only if you hold an official or diplomatic passport and have been formally nominated for posting to the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi or the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Administrative staff, attachés and designated diplomatic officers are included in this consignment. The general categories of tourist, business or medical visas for ordinary citizens are completely separate from this diplomatic category and are not affected by this administrative development.

Required documents and verification steps

Documents attested by security agencies are required to obtain visa clearance. You cannot go to the consulate with a normal travel form.

  • Official Note Verbale issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or High Commission concerned.
  • Completed diplomatic visa application form with stamp and signature.
  • Detailed bio-data and service record of the nominated officer.
  • Security Clearance Certificate issued by concerned Intelligence and Ministry of Home Affairs.

Once these documents are prepared, the relevant protocol divisions exchange them through diplomatic channels.

What should you do now?

If your posting was suspended during the suspension, you should immediately verify your active status through your Hon'ble Personnel Wing. Contact the Protocol Division of the Foreign Office in Islamabad to ensure that your security dossiers are updated with the latest biometric records. Do not rely on previous clearances; If any period has expired during the months of delay, re-verification must be done before the passport is stamped.

What to watch next

Watch to see if this restoration of diplomatic posts eases broader consular operations or eases restrictions on journalists and senior citizens. Although the move is limited to mission personnel, it signals a return to two-way communication. Also keep an eye out for management change announcements later this quarter.