KARACHI: Pakistan is protesting to India against her refusal to honour nationality certificates issues before May 15 to Indian nationals who came on short visits to Pakistan, most of whom are Muslims, it was learnt … on Friday [Aug 12]. The Pakistan Government, it was understood, also strongly resent India’s unilateral action in cancelling all multi-journey permits granted to businessmen by both the Governments, in the interest of inter-Dominion trade.

These measures, it was pointed out, were calculated to declare as evacuees those Indian Muslims who have come to Pakistan on short visits or have business interests in both the Dominions, and to attach their properties under the new Ordinances. The notifications for the cancellations of these certificates have a proviso for their renewal. … So far … not a single nationality certificate has been renewed by … India. … The new permit rules, it is estimated, affect at least about 150,000 persons coming from various provinces of India on short visits or for business. Most of the latter are Muslim businessmen from Bombay.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2024