§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to provide shade and water for visa applicants queuing at the British High Commission in Islamabad; and if he will extend the system used in respect of visa applicants at the Deputy High Commission in Karachi to Islamabad. [118915]
§ Mr. VazCovered accommodation for some 400 visa applicants, with drinking water and toilet facilities, is already provided inside the British High Commission at Islamabad. Similar accommodation and facilities are provided in Karachi, in a more modern building.
The land outside the compound at Islamabad belongs to the Pakistani authorities. The High Commission has repeatedly asked their permission to construct facilities which would provide shade for visa applicants. No response has been received.