Amritsar June 26, : Amritsar’s Member of Parliament Navjot Singh Sidhu on Thursday said that the setting up of a passport centre and the starting of a bus service to Pakistan from Amritsar without the setting up of a visa centre here was like taking one step ahead and two steps behind by the Congress led UPA Government.

Though Sidhu welcomed the proposed June 28 inauguration of the passport office by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, he demanded that Punjab should no longer be described as a disturbed area, and the setting up of a visa centre at Wagah.

"Instead of providing additional facilities to the people of area, the leaders of the Congress-led Central government lack will power to felicitate Punjab the border state that has been facing many problems, especially during the time when tensions are high with Pakistan,” Sidhu told reporters here.

He also demanded an economic package for all border areas in the state from the Centre.

"If the Pakistan visa consulate opens up in Amritsar, it would not only be a service to the pilgrims, but also enhance business ties between the two countries. A visa consulate in Amritsar would help the people of Punjab to visit Nankana Sahib and other Sikh shrines in Pakistan,” Sidhu said. (ANI)