ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Ataullah Tarar on Tuesday announced that Pakistan’s new policy that exempts 126 countries from visa fees and grants on-arrival visas for Gulf country residents will take effect midnight on August 14, making it easier for tourists and businessmen to visit the South Asian nation.
Pakistan, which has been facing a prolonged economic crisis that has forced it to seek financial assistance from friendly nations and global lenders like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has increasingly sought to introduce policies for the ease of doing business for foreign investors.
The South Asian country last month announced it had made changes to its visa policy by increasing the number of countries exempt from visa fees to 126. The decision came in the wake of Pakistan’s efforts to forge deeper economic and trade ties with regional allies to stabilize a fragile economy.
“Pakistan’s visa policy will be changing tonight at midnight. The visa fees of 126 countries have been abolished and the visa process has become easier,” Tarar said at a press conference on Tuesday. “Gulf country residents can avail a visa on arrival.”
The Gulf countries include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Explaining the process in detail, the information minister said people visiting from any of the 126 countries will merely have to fill out a one-page form consisting of 30 questions within a ten-minute process.
Visa would be issued directly on the phone through which the form was filled and would be valid for three months apart from also being renewable, he added.
Tarar said the new visa policy also included religious tourism due to which Sikh pilgrims could easily visit the South Asian country for their religious festivals.
In a cabinet meeting in last month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had pointed out that the new visa policy would lead to a loss of a “few million dollars,” but it would be instrumental in promoting investment in the country.
Sharif had noted that the policy would lead to a significant increase in large-scale economic activities in Pakistan and further boost the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
Pakistan announces visa policy exempting fees for 126 countries, offering on-arrival permits
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Pakistan announces visa policy exempting fees for 126 countries, offering on-arrival permits
- Pakistan last month exempted 126 countries from visa fees, announced on-arrival visa service for Gulf residents
- Minister says a three-month visa will be directly issued by phone after filling out form comprising 30 questions
Pakistan U19 to open tri-series against Afghanistan on Saturday in Zimbabwe
- Pakistan enter the tournament as U19 Asia Cup champions after beating India by 191 runs in Dubai
- The tri-series is seen as key preparation for next month’s U19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s under-19 cricket team will begin their tri-series campaign against Afghanistan on Saturday in Harare, using the tournament as a key preparation for next month’s ICC Men’s U19 World Cup co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Pakistan, the reigning ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup champions, are competing in the 50-over tri-series alongside Afghanistan and hosts Zimbabwe, with each team playing the others twice before the top two advance to the final on Jan. 6.
Pakistan won the eight-team Asia Cup in Dubai earlier this month, beating India by 191 runs in the final, and will play a minimum of four matches in the tri-series, starting at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
“The Asia Cup was a good win for us and the players showed great morale and intensity,” Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf said, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). “The tri-series is very important for the players and will help us find the right combinations ahead of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup.”
Pakistan will face Zimbabwe on Dec. 29 before meeting Afghanistan again on Jan. 2, followed by a second match against the hosts on Jan. 4. Matches will be played across venues in Harare, including Harare Sports Club, Prince Edward School and Sunrise Sports Club.
The tri-series is being seen as an important warm-up ahead of the U19 World Cup, which will be held from Jan. 15 to Feb. 6. Pakistan are placed in Group C and will play all their group-stage matches in Harare.
“The conditions here are similar and will be beneficial for our World Cup preparations,” Yousaf said. “Both teams in the tournament are strong and competitive and we respect every opposition as we look forward to a competitive event.”
Pakistan will open their World Cup campaign against England on Jan. 16, followed by matches against Scotland and Zimbabwe, with the Super Six stage beginning on Jan. 25 and the final scheduled for Feb. 6 at Harare Sports Club.
