Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi said on Sunday that from August 14, the people of the Republic of Türkiye would have the facility to get online visas for Pakistan without the payment of any fee, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Speaking to Turkiye’s Ambassador in Pakistan Mehmet Pachaji, who called on him at the Ministry of Interior’s building in Islamabad, he said this would further facilitate the entry of Turk brothers and sisters in Pakistan.

Naqvi said that on the invitation given by the government of Turkiye, he would visit the country in October. “For Pakistanis Turkiye is their second home,” he said, adding, “Pakistan wants to further strengthen its old cultural and trade ties with the brotherly country.”  

The issue of the release of Pakistani prisoners in Turkiye also came under discussion at the meeting.  

The minister said that in this connection the agreement would be finalized soon.

Speaking on the occasion, the Turkish ambassador said that his country attached great importance to its relations with Pakistan. “We will continue to cooperate with Pakistan in different sectors,” Pachaji said.

Both exchanged views over the ties between the two countries besides other matters of mutual interest.

It was agreed at the meeting to enhance cooperation between the armed forces of Pakistan and Turkiye.

It was decided that Pakistani police officers would be sent to Turkiye for training under the Exchange Programme.  

Secretary Interior Khurram Ali Agha and Additional Secretary Interior Rifaat Mukhtar Raja were also present at the meeting.