Pakistani citizen travels to India with a ‘slight risk’; shares video

Pakistani native, Waqas Hassan recently travelled to India in an IndiGo flight and shared his risky experience on social media. Hassan, an entrepreneur and the founder of AI company surprised thousands of people when he shared his video of travelling to India. He booked a flight with a six-hour layover in Mumbai while travelling from Singapore to Saudi Arabia.

In an Instagram video, Hassan shared that people with Pakistani passports can fly to India as long as they are on a connecting flight. However, they are not allowed to exit the airport during layover and thus are not permitted to self-check in for flights. “This time I’m flying from Singapore to Saudi Arabia. And currently, I’m in Mumbai,” said Hassan while walking through the famous arches of the Mumbai airport in his video. His video further included him spending some time at the airport lounge, buying a few souvenirs and even trying the heart of Mumbai food- vada pav. “It’s a pretty fun feeling,” he said.
For Pakistani nationals, a 100% prior reference process is required, which means they need mandatory clearance before approval. The approval time for the same can stretch up to 90 days which is a long waiting period. Even with a Visit Visa, the nationals can only visit a maximum of 5 places within the country. Thus, a Pakistani national travelling to India is sure to surprise all.


Hassan also revealed the element of ‘slight risk’ while travelling to Mumbai. Firstly he explained that flying on an Indian airline with a layover in Mumbai is easy on the pocket when travelling from east to west, Singapore to Saudi Arabia in his case. He explained that this piece of information is not popular among many and he himself was wary of the risk before beginning this journey. “I have been travelling for 15 years. Nobody told me that we [Pakistanis] can transit through India. So when I booked this ticket, there was a slight bit of risk involved as well,” said the entrepreneur.
He further revealed that even the Indian officials at the airport were surprised to see his Pakistani passport. “When I gave them my passport at the airport, they also looked at me in surprise. They said not many Pakistani people do this, so it was a new experience for them as well,” he said about his meeting with the officials.
Social media users have been commenting on Hassan’s post with delighted surprise and excitement with some sharing their own journeys. “I travelled to thailand via rashpati shivaji Airport... transit works all around almost ... where there is transit facility.... Mumbai airport is so beautiful and huge... a real international airport... i was impressed 😍” wrote a user. “Omg I didn't knew this before!!! Will defo transit through India” added another.