Islamabad, August 13, 2024, The Europe Today: According to the NHC News Agency, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, Culture, and National Heritage, Attaullah Tarar, announced the launch of a new visa policy on Tuesday aimed at boosting tourism and attracting foreign investment to Pakistan. Under this policy, visa fees for nationals of 126 countries will be waived, making it easier for foreign visitors to enter the country.
Speaking at a press conference, Minister Tarar stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would officially launch the new visa policy later that evening. The policy, designed to simplify the visa process, will take effect immediately.
The new policy will allow nationals of these 126 countries to obtain a visa within 10 minutes by filling out a streamlined online form with only 30 questions. The visa will be valid for three months and can be renewed with minimal effort.
Additionally, residents of Gulf countries will be eligible for visas on arrival, while special provisions have been made to facilitate religious tourism, particularly for pilgrims. The minister emphasized the country’s diverse tourism potential, urging foreign tourists, businessmen, and investors to explore Pakistan’s stunning landscapes, including its green valleys, deserts, oceans, and other natural wonders.
In response to a question, Minister Tarar mentioned that provincial governments and the Secretary of the Interior had been informed of the policy, with dedicated desks to be established at airports to welcome tourists. Safety and security measures for tourists have been prioritized, with all relevant stakeholders on board.
The minister highlighted the significant influx of foreign tourists to Gilgit-Baltistan, which now surpasses the number of domestic visitors annually. He further noted that the government has encouraged investors from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries to invest in Pakistan’s tourism sector, which would help reduce lodging costs and improve facilities for tourists.
The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, in collaboration with provincial governments, is also working to encourage private sector investment in the country’s tourism industry.
