Thu Mar 20 23:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Pakistani Entrepreneur Makes Unexpected Stop in Mumbai During Transit
**Mumbai, India –** A Pakistani entrepreneur, Waqas Hassan, recently experienced an unusual layover at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, sparking a conversation on social media about India-Pakistan relations. Hassan, en route from Singapore to Saudi Arabia with IndiGo Airlines, utilized a little-known transit rule allowing Pakistani passport holders to pass through Indian airports without a visa, provided they remain within the terminal.
Hassan documented his six-hour layover on Instagram, showcasing his time in the airport lounge, souvenir shopping, and even indulging in Mumbai’s famous vada pav. He expressed surprise at the possibility, stating he’d been traveling for 15 years without knowing about the transit option. While initially uncertain about booking the flight, Hassan ultimately enjoyed his brief, albeit confined, visit to India.
His post ignited a lively debate online. Some users celebrated the unexpected encounter, advocating for easing travel restrictions between India and Pakistan. Others questioned the appeal of an airport layover in a country where they couldn’t explore beyond the terminal. Regardless of differing viewpoints, Hassan’s experience highlighted the complexities and potential for unexpected interactions within the context of strained geopolitical relations.
First Piper 