Daily Times

Sir: I would like to draw the attention to the additional requirement of the Chinese government for’F’ category visa for Pakistani academicians who are desirous of participating in conferences and other academic activities. The additional requirement is the original letter of invitation from the local authority that takes three to four weeks and can only be obtained on submission of Chinese translation of individual degree and curriculum vitae.

I am scheduled to participate in the international conference in Shenyang China from July 26-30, 2016 on Building Trust: A Global Challenge in Health System Reform. There are other Pakistani health professionals as well registered for the conference who would most likely not participate although we have the official letter of invitation signed by the President of China Medical University, with the university being the co-host of the conference. If we do succeed in getting the letter, the drawback for Pakistanis would be that the visa will be valid for five days of conference duration, and what hurts even more is that this requirement does not apply to our neighbouring countries such as India and Bangladesh. Also, it is important to mention that I have traveled worldwide for conferences and yet to face such adverse visa requirements.

Since childhood, I have heard of Sino Pakistan close relationship, and moreover the recent clamour on “ Pak China Economic Corridor” but this exercise has left me disappointed.

I would like to appeal to the Higher Education Commission to pursue this issue with the Chinese government to allow Pakistanis to benefit from Chinese advancement in education, science and technology.

NIGHAT HUDA

Karachi