Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced significant changes to Pakistan’s visa policy, aiming to attract more investors and tourists.
During a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, he revealed that visa fees for tourists and visitors from 126 countries would be waived.
Emphasizing the importance of facilitating business, Sharif stated, “Pakistan’s income will increase through investment, not from visa fees of a few million dollars.” The new policy includes issuing visas within 24 hours, a move intended to enhance the ease of doing business in Pakistan.
Sharif highlighted the potential economic benefits, saying, “Forgoing five to seven million dollars in visa fees annually is insignificant compared to the potential influx of 500 to 700 million dollars in investment.” The proposal is pending cabinet approval.
Additionally, the Prime Minister announced the introduction of e-gates to streamline the entry process for international visitors. This initiative aims to boost religious tourism and contribute to economic stability and foreign exchange reserves.
During the meeting, Sharif also addressed recent security concerns, expressing regret over attacks on Pakistan’s consulate in Germany. He urged host countries to ensure the safety of Pakistani diplomatic missions and suggested summoning ambassadors to discuss these issues.
Sharif condemned the recent surge in terrorism, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, attributing these acts to external conspiracies. He stressed the importance of dialogue and peace, criticizing neighboring countries for their roles in fostering unrest despite Pakistan’s long-standing hospitality towards refugees.
On the domestic front, Sharif criticized a political faction for attacking the Pakistani military via social media. He accused Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s official social media channels of running a campaign against the Army Chief and his family.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by the coalition government, noting the recent IMF staff-level agreement and ongoing inflation concerns affecting the public.
