Pakistan has approved digital visas for citizens of 126 countries, streamlining entry for business and tourism purposes.
The federal cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is designed to boost investment and trade with partner nations by facilitating visa-free access for investors and businessmen.
In addition to the digital visa approval, the cabinet also greenlit the creation of special courts under the SECP Act 1997, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Denmark, and expanding the Privatization Commission Board’s membership.
While addressing the cabinet, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing the ease of doing business in Pakistan. He mentioned a recent meeting with various ministries where a consensus was reached to adopt a more liberal visa regime to encourage investment and tourism, including religious tourism. This new visa policy, pending cabinet approval, will offer free visas to businessmen and tourists from 126 countries and significantly ease entry processes.
The Prime Minister detailed that visas would be issued within 24 hours through an electronic travel authorization form under the new regime. He also announced plans to introduce e-gates at nine major airports and Gwadar port to streamline the entry process further.
The initial phase will see e-gates set up at airports in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. This move is expected to open Pakistan’s doors wider to the international tourist and business communities, promoting greater global interaction and economic growth.
