ISLAMABAD, Feb 13: The Ministry of Interior said on Friday that it had adopted criteria for grant of visa to Indians invited by Pakistani organizations for cultural shows, seminars, conferences, business trips etc , adding that visa applications on a prescribed form prepared by the ministry must be received eight weeks in advance.

The ministry also said that visa applications must be accompanied by a photocopy of a valid passport. Application forms can be obtained from Section officer (India), Ministry of Interior, Block "R", Islamabad, (telephone No9207838) and Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi.

Due to recent thaw in the India-Pakistan relations, a number of Pakistani organizations are inviting a large number of Indians for cultural shows, seminars, conferences and business trips, etc.

"Because of lack of knowledge of the procedure involved, most requests are submitted at a very short notice and pressures mounted through important personalities. Often, the ministry is put in an embarrassing situation, because the organizers announced dates for their programmes," the ministry observed.

With a view to streamlining the procedure and inform all concerned, the ministry has decided to evolve the criteria for all sponsors and government agencies concerned for grant of visas to Indian invitees. -APP