Unwelcoming Pakistan

I thought I would have a somewhat different travel experience by visiting Pakistan.

I booked flights on Thai Airways International and reserved a hotel (a prerequisite), filled in a somewhat complicated tourist visa application form which complied with all of the eight requirements listed thereon, and presented these documents to the Pakistan embassy in the Sukhumvit area.

My application was instantly rejected because it did not include a letter from someone in Pakistan inviting me there and did not include the name, address and licence number of a Pakistani travel agent.

I protested, to no avail, that as a foreigner residing in Bangkok, I was unable to comply. The response was: “I don’t write the rules, you must comply” and turned me away.

It is apparent, therefore, that Pakistan does not want our dollars or welcome visitors, so don’t bother about applying to go there.

Instead, go to a country where tourists are welcome — like North Korea perhaps? Or simply stay in Thailand. MARTIN R