Mohsin Siddiqui (Chief Reporter)
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced on Sunday a series of significant visa reforms aimed at facilitating travel and investment in Pakistan. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the new policies will allow businessmen, investors, and tourists from 126 countries to receive their visas within 24 hours through an efficient online system.
The prime minister highlighted that these reforms are designed to encourage travel and investment in Pakistan. Notably, visa fees will be waived for traders and tourists from the specified countries, making it easier and more attractive for them to visit and do business in Pakistan. The prime minister described the new visa policies as a highly positive development expected to promote tourism, boost foreign investment, and enhance trade activities within the country.
One of the key reforms includes visa-free entry for businessmen from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This measure is anticipated to significantly increase investment and business opportunities from these regions, further integrating Pakistan into the regional economy. PM Sharif emphasized that these visa policy reforms will position Pakistan as an attractive destination for international business and tourism.
The general visa reforms, special arrangements have been made for Sikh pilgrims holding passports from third countries, allowing them to obtain visas on arrival. This initiative is expected to facilitate smoother travel for Sikh pilgrims and encourage religious tourism. To further enhance the travel experience, electronic gates will be installed at major airports in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. These gates will expedite the immigration process, making it more efficient for incoming travelers.
The new visa regime will be overseen by a dedicated dashboard established at the Ministry of Interior. This dashboard will monitor various aspects of the visa process, including visa-free entries, business visas, and tourist visas on arrival. The centralized system aims to ensure the smooth implementation of the new policies and address any issues promptly.
Prime Minister Sharif commended the efforts of the Ministry of Interior, along with other relevant ministries and institutions, for their role in implementing these new visa policies. He acknowledged their hard work and dedication in making these reforms a reality.
These visa reforms are part of a broader strategy to enhance Pakistan’s image as a business-friendly and tourist-friendly destination. By streamlining the visa process and removing financial barriers, the government aims to attract more international visitors and investors. This, in turn, is expected to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and foster a more vibrant business environment.
The reforms come at a time when Pakistan is actively seeking to boost its economy through increased foreign investment and tourism. The country has a rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and numerous tourist attractions that have the potential to draw visitors from around the world. By making it easier for people to visit, the government hopes to unlock this potential and position Pakistan as a top destination for both leisure and business travelers.
In recent years, Pakistan has made significant strides in improving its infrastructure and security, further enhancing its appeal to international visitors. The new visa policies build on these improvements, making it more convenient for people to explore what Pakistan has to offer. The prime minister’s announcement reflects a commitment to fostering a more open and welcoming environment for global engagement.
As part of the reforms, the government is also focusing on enhancing the overall travel experience for visitors. The installation of electronic gates at major airports is a key component of this effort. These gates will not only speed up the immigration process but also ensure a high level of security and efficiency. This modern approach to border control is expected to set a new standard for travel within the region.
The visa reforms are also seen as a strategic move to strengthen Pakistan’s economic ties with other countries. By offering visa-free entry and expedited visa processing, Pakistan is sending a strong signal to the international community about its openness to trade and investment. This is particularly important for building stronger relationships with countries in the GCC, which are key economic partners for Pakistan.
