Republic of Cyprus – Guitar in the Sea – by – Raja Liaqat Ali

The Republic of Cyprus is also called Greek Cyprus for most of its population belong to Greece origin. One third part of this heavenly island is called Turkish Cyprus that is held by the Turkish population and supported by mainly Turkiye. Turkish Cyprus has opened an office in Pakistan, that is currently headed by an official of the foreign office of Turkish Republic of North Cyprus who is not Ambassador but called Representative only that means it is not full fledged embassy.

A large number of Pakistanis are seen in long queues in front of the office of Turkish Cyprus in Islamabad for visas. Most go to get visas for students, work permits and to visit a famous “shrine”, but the majority of them want to enter European Cyprus illegally from Turkish Cyprus. It is because Greek Cyprus is more developed and enjoys status of a state by EU.

Nicosia is the capital of Greek Cyprus. Another part of the same city is called Lafkosia that is capital of Turkish Cyprus. Greek Cypriots call it “Occupied Cyprus”. The dispute is lingering on since mid 70s with no sign of solution. Pakistan claims very “fraternal relations” with Turkey. I think this is the reason why Pakistan has not opened its embassy or consulate in Greek Cyprus till date. So that Turkey does not get angry.

Meaning, in the whole history, sometimes for the sake of Afghanistan and sometimes for the sake of Turkey and Saudi Arabia, we have maintained bad relations with these countries from which Pakistan can benefit a lot. However, Greek Cypriots have set up a consulate in Karachi, which is headed by an honorary Pakistani businessman, “Kamal A Chinoy”. There was also a consulate in Islamabad which has been closed. Now, if anyone from Pakistan wishes to go to Cyprus, he has to approach the Cyprus Consulate located at Habib Rafiq Plaza in Karachi.

Visa applications are received on Mondays and Tuesdays. A decision is given in four to six weeks. However, the visa criteria are the same as any other European country. India has its full embassy in Nicosia and Cyprus in India. That’s why Indians live here more than Pakistanis. Cyprus has a population of around 13 million, but more than a million tourists visit this beautiful tourist destination every year. Paphos, Larnaca, Ayia Napa, Nicosia and Limassol are its major cities. There is no railway but there is an excellent public transport system. The clearest beaches in the world are where the extreme rush is in summer.

Limassol is the most modern, modern city with dozens of five-star hotels and thousands of bars, nightclubs and entertainment that attracts tourists. There is absolute peace, crime rate is negligible, people are very nice and friendly.

A very dear friend of mine, Mudassir Jat, has been living in Cyprus for seven years. According to him, nearly four thousand Pakistanis have now come to Cyprus, but due to the lack of a consulate in Cyprus and the coldness of relations, the Pakistanis living here Many problems are faced which Indians don’t have to face at all.