KARACHI, Feb 20: More than 6,000 student visas were issued by the United Kingdom in the country in 2003, British Council Director Charlie Walker said on Friday.

"Whilst continuing to promote exchange between Britain and Pakistan in higher education, we also facilitate the placement of students wishing to study in the UK," he said. He said that he was delighted to hear from the British high commission's visa section that in 2003 more than 6,000 student visas were issued.

Mr Walker said the figure showed more than 200 per cent increase as compared to the previous year and represented the highest number of student visas issued in a year. He said more British university representatives were coming to Pakistan to recruit students. -APP