U.S. reduces visa duration for Pakistani citizens from 5 years to three months

The Unites States government has announced that visa duration for Pakistani citizens has been reduced from a period of five years to three months. Further, there are reports that the cost of visa application has gone up from $160 to $192.

This comes about after the Pakistan government decided to decrease the visa duration and increase the application fee for the U.S. citizens. 

READ: US Seeks Information On Potential Misuse Of F-16 By Pakistan

Meanwhile, the United States government is also looking into the matter pertaining to Pakistan Air Force using F-16 jets during its air battle against Indian Air Force in February.

It is reported that Pakistan violated the end-user agreement between the two countries when it used the aircraft to attack Indian military establishments when it infiltrated Indian airspace a few days ago.

Pakistan categorically denied having used the jets, even as the Indian authorities showed proof in the form of wreckage of an AMRAAM missile which was fired from the F16. 

"We are aware of these reports and are seeking more information," a State Department spokesperson told PTI when asked about report that Pakistan has violated end-user agreement with the United States. 

"Due to non-disclosure agreements in Foreign Military Sales contracts, we cannot discuss the specifics of end user-agreements contained within," Lt Col Kone Faulkner, a Defense Department spokesperson told PTI. 

READ: Under Pressure From UNSC, Pakistan Issues UNSC Freezing And Seizure Order 2019

The U.S. has also been putting pressure on Pakistan to act against Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar following the terror attack in Pulwama on February 14 in which 40 CRPF jawans lost their lives.

Along with a host of countries, including India, the U.S. has been putting efforts to make sure that Azhar is designated as a 'global terrorist'.

(With inputs from PTI)