The incumbent Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government has been focused on making Pakistan a desired travel destination for tourists from across the globe.
In a bid to attract more tourists, the government has decided to end the No Objection Certificate (NOC) requirement for foreigners allowing them to move freely in Pakistan.
According to a notice by the Ministry of Interior, foreigners can now travel to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Chitral, and Gilgit-Baltistan with the exception of a few areas which are along the borders and are considered unsafe for the general public.
The notice said:
Free movement of foreigners shall be allowed in open cantonments except prohibited and restricted areas with visible signboards. The border crossings will be open and non-restricted.
It further read:
AJK & GB and Chitral shall also be non-restricted/non-prohibited, except:
| Pak-China Border | 10 miles |
| Pak-Afghan Border (Wakhan Corridor) | 10 miles |
| AJ&K along LOC | 5 miles |
| GB along LOC | 5 miles |
| Siachen along Line of Actual Contact | 10 miles |
This step is another link in the chain of the government’s efforts to project Pakistan as a peaceful travel destination for the tourists.
Earlier, the government had announced visa on arrival and e-visa facilities to increase the influx of tourists in the country.