Pakistan offers visa to Punjab CM Mann if he wishes to visit

Pakistan's Foreign Office on Wednesday signalled openness to granting a visa to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann if the Indian leader expresses an intention to visit the neighbouring country.

In a statement, the Pakistani foreign ministry said it would consider a visa application from Mann, though it added that whether India permits its chief minister to undertake such a journey is "a separate matter." The comments suggest Pakistan is prepared to facilitate the visit from its side, placing the onus on India's government to determine if such travel aligns with its foreign policy framework.

The offer comes amid ongoing efforts to maintain diplomatic channels between the two neighbouring nations despite strained bilateral relations. Pakistan has historically extended visa access to senior Indian officials and political figures, though such visits remain relatively uncommon given the complex dynamics between New Delhi and Islamabad.

It remains unclear whether Mann has formally requested permission from the Indian government to undertake such a visit or whether he intends to do so. Visits by Indian state-level leaders to Pakistan typically require approval from India's central government, particularly involving senior politicians.