A Pakistani entrepreneur, Waqas Hassan, has captured widespread attention after revealing that he traveled to India aboard an IndiGo flight without an Indian visa. His journey, which included a six-hour layover in Mumbai while flying from Singapore to Saudi Arabia, left airport officials surprised.
Legal Yet Rare Travel Experience
While Pakistani passport holders can legally transit through India without a visa, direct travel between the two nations remains heavily restricted due to historical tensions and security concerns. Leisure tourism is rare, and obtaining an Indian visa for Pakistani citizens is a complex process. However, Hassan discovered that as long as a Pakistani traveler remains within the airport during a layover, transit via India is allowed.
In an Instagram video, Hassan shared his experience at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. “This time, I’m flying from Singapore to Saudi Arabia. And currently, I’m in Mumbai,” he said while walking through the airport.
Exploring Mumbai Airport
Despite not being allowed to exit the airport, Hassan made the most of his brief stay. He visited an airport lounge, bought souvenirs, and even sampled Mumbai’s iconic street food, vada pav. “It’s a pretty fun feeling,” he commented.
Why Choose an Indian Airline?
Hassan explained that Indian airlines often offer good deals on flights connecting eastern and western destinations, such as Singapore to Saudi Arabia. However, he admitted he was initially unsure about whether transiting through India would be hassle-free. “I have been traveling for 15 years. Nobody told me that Pakistanis can transit through India. So when I booked this ticket, there was a slight bit of risk involved,” said the entrepreneur, who is based in Singapore and runs the startup AiForAll.
Mumbai Airport Officials Surprised
According to Hassan, the immigration officials at Mumbai airport were taken aback when they saw his Pakistani passport. “When I handed them my passport, they looked at me in surprise. They said not many Pakistanis do this, so it was a new experience for them as well,” he shared on Instagram.
Social Media Reactions
His video has gone viral, drawing mixed reactions from social media users. Some praised the idea of easing travel restrictions between the two countries. “Pakistanis should be allowed to visit India and vice versa. I love you guys. I respect your culture and country,” one Instagram user commented.
Sources By Agencies
