Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has expressed the hope that the significant visa reforms introduced the government will help in facilitating the foreign investors, business community and tourists. In a statement issued here on Sunday, he said that the step would help promoting tourism, boost foreign investment and increase trade activities in the country. Premier Shehbaz Sharif termed the initiative a highly positive development and 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 added.

Additionally, the prime minister 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. PM Shehbaz 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.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan