In continuation of the government’s vision to promote business, investment and tourism, the federal cabinet approved an online visa application system for citizens of 126 countries. The decision to streamline visa processes came during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, and is likely to make Pakistan an even more attractive destination for both tourists and traders.
24-hour turnaround
Under this new system, citizens from the designated countries will be able to get business and tourist visas within just 24 hours. Moreover, there will be fee exemption for visa processing. This step will not only boost business relations with other countries but also attract tourism, giving a much-needed boost to Pakistan’s global connectivity and economic prospects.
For Sikh pilgrims
The cabinet approved a separate sub-category in the visa-on-arrival facility in order to facilitate Sikh pilgrims having third-country passports. This provision will facilitate Sikh community members in visiting their religious sites in Pakistan and ultimately promote cultural and religious tourism. According to the state-run news agency, a dedicated dashboard will be established at the Ministry of Interior Affairs to ensure smooth functioning of the visa system.
Through this centralized platform, the authorities in Islamabad will be able to oversee the entire process, ensuring transparency and efficiency in visa issuance. These are significant developments through which Pakistan is removing substantial barriers for business travelers from across the globe. The 24-hour visa issuance process and processing fee waiver are likely to lead to an increase in business visits and result in direct engagement and collaborations.
The new procedures will make Pakistan an attractive destination for investors. The country had previously been focusing just on the ease of doing business. However, the ease of entry will allow investors to not only explore opportunities more readily but also participate in negotiations and establish ventures without bureaucratic delays. This will strengthen the existing business relations between the foreign firms and local businesses and result in healthy partnerships, increased trade deals and a better understanding of the local market dynamics.
The new policy is also likely to result in a significant increase in tourism, which will ultimately have a ripple effect on the economy. More tourists mean higher spending on local services, including accommodations, food and transportation, which will ultimately boost local businesses and create job opportunities in the tourism sector.
Specialized courts
In addition to the visa reforms, the cabinet also accorded approval to set up special banking courts. The decision was based on recommendations from high courts in Islamabad and the four provincial capitals, as well as the Ministry of Law and Justice. The new courts will help expedite banking-related matters. The Special Court on Offences in Banks in Islamabad would be set up under Section 37 of the SECP Act 1997, while the one in Peshawar will be designated as Banking Court-1.
Partnership with Denmark
In another development, the cabinet approved the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Pakistan and Denmark, which focuses on promoting public-private partnerships across various sectors. According to the state-run news agency, the areas on focus include logistics; green and sustainable growth; transport; urban green development; alternative energy; water waste management; and basic infrastructure construction.
This agreement is a testament to Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable development. By collaborating with Denmark, the government aims to leverage Danish expertise in green technologies and sustainable practices. This partnership is expected to bring about major advancements in infrastructure and environmental management, hence contributing to Pakistan’s long-term growth and sustainability goals.