Can Indian Army Officer Visit Pakistan on Visa?

In theory, an Indian Army officer can apply for a tourist visa to Pakistan, but in practice, it is highly restricted and unlikely to be approved. Here's why:

1. Visa Restrictions on Defense Personnel

• Both India and Pakistan heavily restrict visa issuance to serving or former military personnel, especially from each other’s countries, due to security and diplomatic sensitivities.

• The Pakistan High Commission in India often requires detailed background checks, and serving defense personnel are typically not granted tourist visas.

2. Official Clearance Needed

• An Indian Army officer would need prior approval from the Indian Ministry of Defence and Ministry of External Affairs before applying for a visa to Pakistan.

• Even retired officers may face scrutiny and delays.

3. Bilateral Relations Matter

• India-Pakistan relations fluctuate, and during periods of tension, visa issuance — especially to military-affiliated individuals — becomes even more difficult.

4. Exceptions

• Rare exceptions may occur for official military exchanges, UN missions, or high-level diplomatic reasons, but not for regular tourism.

Conclusion:

While it's legally possible to apply, a serving Indian Army officer will almost certainly not be granted a Pakistani tourist visa due to national security concerns and bilateral restrictions.