January 24, 2006	Tuesday	Zilhaj 23, 1426

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PESHAWAR, Jan 23: An official of the United States embassy, Laura P. Hroby, has assured traders of tribal areas that people having valid documents and providing proper evidence of having business activities in the US will be given visas.

She said at a briefing for traders of tribal areas that US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice had issued directives for expedition of visa processing and all those wishing to visit the US should complete their documents and apply sufficiently ahead of the intented visit date.

She said everyone having genuine reasons and purpose had the right to go to the US and attend business meetings there.

Only those failing to prove the purpose of their visit could be refused visa, she said.

“It is important to apply some months early and provide sufficient time for the staff to assess the case and take a proper decision,” she said.

The applicants should try to explain in detail during their interview the purpose of their visit and give assurance of returning in time.

She said she was collecting information about problems faced by applicants in getting visa.

In reply to a question, she said any applicant wishing to withdraw during processing might do that only by requesting the staff concerned.

She said a reference letter by the Tribal Chamber of Commerce and Industry could make a case stronger but not guarantee issuance of visa.

In reply to a question, she said that in future applicants from the tribal areas would not be asked to submit sales and income tax documents for granting of visa because of the exemption given by the government in the region.

The chamber’s president Mohammad Akbar Khan said traders in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas on one hand were facing the outcome of the war on terrorism, poppy cultivation and poverty and on the other hand most of them were refused permission to visit the US for their business. The stamping of refusal by the US on the passports made it hard for the applicants to apply for visas to other countries.