Dushanbe, July 03, 2024, The Europe Today: In a significant diplomatic development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan and Tajikistan have agreed to exempt official passports from visa requirements. The announcement came during the Prime Minister’s two-day official visit to Dushanbe, where he was hosted by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon at the Qasr-e-Millat, the presidential palace.
During a press conference in the Tajik capital, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that the bilateral ties between Islamabad and Dushanbe would be further strengthened through the signing of several memorandums of understanding (MoUs). These agreements aim to promote cooperation in trade, agriculture, health, education, and investment.
Prime Minister Sharif expressed his desire to enhance connectivity between Pakistan and Tajikistan through the development of rail and road networks, and to integrate into the trade corridor involving China, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. He highlighted the current transportation of goods from Karachi Port to Tajikistan via Afghanistan as an example of existing trade routes.
Addressing the issue of terrorism, the Prime Minister acknowledged that both Pakistan and Tajikistan are affected by this menace. He underscored Pakistan’s significant sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, noting the country’s success in uprooting terrorism in 2017 and the ongoing challenges posed by its resurgence. Prime Minister Sharif called for joint efforts with Tajikistan to eliminate terrorism from the region.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of regional peace for prosperity, expressing optimism for the CASA-1000 project. This ambitious renewable energy infrastructure project is expected to be completed by next year, bringing economic benefits to the region.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Sharif addressed global challenges, including the Ukraine conflict and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He expressed support for the Palestinian people’s right to freedom and called for peace and stability in these troubled areas.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded by expressing gratitude for the warm welcome he received in Tajikistan and extended an invitation to President Rahmon to visit Pakistan, signaling a continued commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
