http://www.paknews.com/main.php?id=2&date1=2001-10-28

US visa procedure to be eased for Pakistanis

ISLAMABAD, October 28 (PNS): The United States plans to ease visa procedures for Pakistanis in response to the unconditional support of the government in 'war against terrorism', US diplomatic sources told Online Saturday.

"Pakistan is an important ally and we want its citizens to feel the hospitality we have to offer. We will ease the visa restrictions in this regard", the sources said. "The relief would be for visitors visas. The immigration system would not be changed", the sources said.

"The basic requirements however have to be met in any case. The candidates must have enough funds at their hands to go for a foreign trip", the sources maintained. The sources said, "for religious people the visa procedure would be further constricted. We won't want to see religious people walking through to the US. We doubt them".

The sources said though Pakistanis by large were peaceful people but the country was a victim to a bunch of terrorists. "There are a few but powerful extremists", the sources claimed. The sources were of the view that a majority of the Pakistanis backed President General Pervez Musharraf in his decision to support the anti-terrorism forces.

"These extremists though are few in number but are very powerful. They have created a hell like situation", the sources said. "Islam doesn't teach to break law and order. It teaches peace. We are sure people would understand it", "the security arrangements by the Pakistan government in the country are satisfactory", the sources said.

-- Swissrose (cellier3@mindspring.com), October 28, 2001

Answers

What!! We should be stopping all immigration from ME countries right now! Not making it easier!! And I would have to say especially Pakistan -- don't care if they are "cooperating" or not, I think the cooperation has been basically forced on them, and we definitely don't need to be opening our borders to more possible al Queda members!! We should be evicting everyone who is here on a visa from any country who has been a sponsor of terrorists, not letting more in!

-- Kathleen Sanderson (stonycft@worldpath.net), October 29, 2001.

"Islam doesn't teach to break law and order. It teaches peace. We are sure people would understand it"

If I hear this one more time I think I will be sick.

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), October 29, 2001.

My thoughts exactly.

-- Swissrose (cellier3@mindspring.com), October 29, 2001.