ISLAMABAD, Aug 22: The perceived threats of terrorist attacks and security concerns of the embassies in the Diplomatic Enclave have added to the miseries of the visa seekers.

The elderly and children are the worst-affected as they have to rough it out in long queues waiting for the shuttle bus service, which starts from the parking lot of the Convention Centre.

The longest lines are of the US visa seekers, who start to assemble as early as six in the morning. There are 100 people at a time in the queue, since the coasters employed to transport the passengers makes a trip every 15-20 minutes.

With no proper seating arrangements the elderly women and children have to wait under the scorching sun in the hot and humid climate. There is also no facility for drinking water, with no markets closeby.

Prior to 9/11 events, the Capital Development Authority had spent a considerable amount of tax payers money for shades outside the US embassy compound in the Diplomatic enclave.

“The events of September 11 have added to our miseries and life has changed for the worst for ordinary Pakistanis despite the fact, that we are an important coalition partner in the war against terrorism,” said an angry visa seeker waiting for the shuttle.

The US embassy, office of public affairs, on Thursday said the delays in the processing of visas would continue.

It said through the use of supplemental application forms and other measures, visa applications are now subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past. This means that visa applications in some instances would take longer to process.

Recognizing that the security measures may affect the travel plans of visa applicants, especially those intending to enrol in or continue college and university studies, the embassy said every effort would be made to meet the legitimate needs of the prospective travellers consistent with the priority of security and legal responsibilities.

Special security screening procedures affect a limited number of prospective travellers.

“Our goal is to have assured security within a system that is responsive to everyone wishing to visit the US. However, delays in processing of visas will continue as the State Department, working with other agencies, brings new information systems online.

Responding to the attacks of September 11, 2001, Congress ordered that security inadequacies be identified and addressed. By legislative instruction, some of this work was specifically to be accomplished by the first anniversary of the attacks. That work is on course now in accordance with those instructions.”

The embassy said the time needed for adjudication of individual cases would continue to be difficult to predict as necessary new procedures were made more refined.

Visa applicants affected by these procedures are informed of the need for additional screening at the time of application and should expect substantial delays of six to eight weeks or more before a visa can be issued, the embassy said.

“We trust that affected applicants will understand that this waiting period is necessary as we strive to make every effort to ensure the safety and security of the US for all, including the foreign visitors,” the US embassy said.