Pakistani visa fee to be waived off for 126 countries

The federal government has announced visa-free entry for citizens of 126 countries.

A federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was presented with a report on the implementation of federal policies for the years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.

The cabinet approved the issuance of digital visas for citizens of 126 countries. Sources indicate that individuals coming from these countries for business and tourism purposes will enjoy visa-free entry.

The federal cabinet also endorsed a Ministry of Interior summary proposing visa-free entry for investors from friendly nations.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted significant changes in the visa regime, emphasizing that the number of countries exempted from visa fees has now increased to 126. He underscored that investors and tourists from Western countries will also benefit from this waiver.

Sharif remarked on concerns regarding potential revenue loss from visa fees, stating, “I believe that waiving visa fees will attract more investment to Pakistan, resulting in greater overall benefit.”

The Prime Minister added that the implementation of E-Gate systems will commence in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad in the initial phase. He anticipated an increase in religious tourism due to E-Gate implementation, contributing to economic stability and bolstering foreign exchange reserves.

Additionally, the Federal Cabinet approved the establishment of special courts under the SECP Act of 1997.

The meeting sanctioned the signing of an MoU between Pakistan and Denmark, an increase in the Privatization Commission Board’s membership, and the appointment of the Chairman of the Abandoned Waqf Property Board.