The federal cabinet Wednesday approved the decision to abolish the visa fees for 126 countries as a “quantum jump” to bring ease of doing business and attract businessmen, tourists and travellers to Pakistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The visitors would get visas within 24 hours through the electronic travel authorization form. Besides, the E-gates would be established at Gwadar Port and nine airports – initially in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi airports.
The decision, made after a threadbare discussion, would be tabled before the cabinet for its consideration, he added.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who chaired the cabinet meeting, said the deficiency of the visa fees would be made up by foreign exchange earned through investment and tourism, including religious tourism of which Pakistan has immense potential.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also affirmed to resolutely defend the national interests.
PM Shehbaz regretted the propaganda campaign unleashed by PTI against the armed forces of Pakistan, which he said, will not be tolerated at all.
The PM emphasized the need to unite against such malicious campaigns, stressing that our armed forces have made immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism to ensure peace and stability in the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed not to budge from the protection of the country’s interests even by an inch.
Referring to the PTI, he said the party, which had once held a sit-in, had now started using new tactics against the establishment.
Voicing serious concerns over the recent surge in terror acts especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Prime Minister said this is being done under an organized conspiracy. Referring to the involvement of TTP in terror attacks.
The PM said the terror emanating from a neighbouring country is not acceptable at all. He said Pakistan is ready to protect its citizens.
He however said Pakistan wants to address this issue through negotiations and peaceful means. He said contacts in this regard are being made directly and indirectly.
PM Shehbaz said the government is undertaking efforts to ensure ease of business in the country.
Citing a recent meeting amongst different ministries, he said they have agreed to a liberal visa regime to promote investment and tourism including religious tourism in the country. He said the visa regime will be presented in the cabinet for the approval.
Sharing details of the new visa regime, the Prime Minister said it envisages major changes, including providing free visas to businessmen and tourists from one hundred and twenty-six countries.
He was confident that this policy will open Pakistan's corridors for tourists and business community. He said the visa will also be provided in twenty-four hours through electronic travel authorization form.
The Prime Minister said e-gates will also be established at nine airports and Gwadar port. He said these e-gates will be established in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad airports in the first phase.
Reporter: Awais Kiani