MEA reiterates stance on Pakistan as Punjab CM seeks Lahore visit clearance
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is preparing to request permission from the Centre to attend a Punjabi conference in Pakistan.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday reiterated India's diplomatic position regarding Pakistan as Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann seeks permission to visit Lahore. According to the Times of India, Mann intends to attend the 4th International World Punjabi Conference scheduled for November 27 to 29.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during a bi-weekly press briefing that requests for political clearance are assessed according to India's broader foreign policy framework. Jaiswal said the ministry expects everyone to abide by the national policy regarding relations with foreign countries.
Jaiswal added that India's position on Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack is clear. He noted that assessments for dignitaries visiting abroad are processed in line with the ministry's overall policy.
Mann had informed the Punjab Vidhan Sabha that he was invited to be the chief guest at the three-day cultural event in Lahore. He said his office was completing the paperwork to submit to the MEA and that he would wait for their decision.
The Chief Minister also called for the reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor to allow legislators to visit Sikh religious shrines. The corridor remains suspended following the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent deterioration in diplomatic and security relations.
Under Government of India rules, all chief ministers and state officials must obtain prior political clearance from the MEA before visiting foreign destinations, particularly sensitive locations like Pakistan.
