Pakistan has launched a digital visa initiative, enabling citizens from 126 countries to enter the country for business and tourism without needing a traditional visa.
According to details, the federal cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, made the decision during a meeting on Wednesday. The cabinet also approved setting up special courts under the SECP Act 1997, signing of an MoU between Pakistan and Denmark, and increasing the number of members on the Privatization Commission Board.
During the cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted that the government is working to simplify business processes and improve the ease of doing business in the country.
Referring to a recent inter-ministerial meeting, the Prime Minister stated that there was consensus on adopting a more flexible visa policy to boost investment, tourism, and religious tourism in Pakistan. He added that this new visa regime will be submitted to the cabinet for final approval.
PM Shehbaz further said that the new visa regime includes significant changes, such as offering free visas to businesspeople and tourists from 126 countries.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that this policy will enhance Pakistan’s appeal to tourists and businesspeople. He added that visas will be issued within 24 hours via an electronic travel authorization form.
Moreover, e-gates will be set up at nine airports and Gwadar port, with the initial phase covering Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad airports.