In May 1995, the US Visa Section was closed in Karachi, and the applicants since then have to go to Lahore to TRY their luck. The reason given for this shift was the ruthless killing of US Consulate personnel and the deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi. The new US Consul General, Douglas Archard, has taken charge and is being daily feted by individuals and Associations. From SITE to KATI, from the Cotton people to the Mutton dealers, and from the Soap makers to the KCCI, the main point of discussion is Visas, Visas, and Visas.

The situation in Lahore at present is far worse than Karachi. Upsurge in dacoities, frequent cases of kidnapping for ransom, breakdown in civic infra-structure, massive corruption, murders galore, mind-boggling traffic muddles, killings in ‘police encounters’, and total collapse of local administration. On September 04, 1996, the US consulate in Lahore was attacked by a mob, something that has never happened in Karachi.

The question then arises: Will the hierarchy in Foggy Bottom rethink and move the Visa Section from Lahore also? It is suggested that the US Embassy lease the privatized Malam Jabba Resort from Parks Pakistan Ltd and set up the Visa Section there. The atmosphere is breath-taking, virtually no crime, pleasant working environment, and Visa applicants can stay at the Resort, thus also providing income for the complex. Any comments, Dr. Thomas Simon?

Yours faithfully:

EBRAHIM EDVANI