But it's the common man and his family that suffers. For Fawad A to meet his Indian brother-in-law, a third country has to be chosen each time. "It's really so hard for my parents not to be able to meet their daughter and son-in-law when they want to, even though it's barely a two-hour flight," he said.

But whether you are an Indian or a Pakistani, extensive security checks are carried out before the visa is granted.

An official lamented, "Both countries have already liberalised visa to a large extent. But tragically it remains on paper."

"For example, visas for diplomats have to be given in a month's time but it takes at least three months. Before expanding further, what is already signed should be implemented to its last word," he said.

He said that given the Indo-Pak history and security dimensions, visa cannot be issued simply.

"These days the waiting time for a visa is much shorter. If one already has a security clearance, it is faster the next time around," the official said.

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