New visa policy to boost tourism, trade activities: PM

Celina Ali

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said the government had introduced significant visa reforms to facilitate foreign investors, business community, and tourists.

He said the step would help promoting tourism, boost foreign investment and increase trade activities in the country.

In a statement, the prime minister, terming the initiative a highly positive development, said the government had approved visa-free entry for businessmen from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which will increase investment and business opportunities from these countries.

The businessmen, investors, and tourists of 126 countries will be issued visas within 24 hours through an online system, he said.

Additionally, he said traders and tourists from these countries will be exempt from visa fees.

The visa policy reforms will make Pakistan an attractive destination for foreign individuals in terms of business and tourisms.

The prime minister highlighted that special arrangements had also been made for Sikh pilgrims having passports of a third county to obtain visas on arrival.

Electronic gates will be installed at Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad airports to facilitate travelers.

A dashboard will be established at the Ministry of Interior to monitor the implementation of the new visa regime, including visa-free entry, business visa list, and tourist visa on arrival, he added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the performance of the Ministry of Interior, relevant ministries, and institutions in implementing the new visa regime.