Islamabad: The government has reiterated the importance of tourism and taken measures accordingly, as per a news source. Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry stated that this sector can serve as the basis for socioeconomic change in Pakistan.
Chaudhry briefed the press about the proposed changes to the country’s visa regime outside Parliament House. He stated the country is a paradise for tourism and used to be open till around 1965 onwards. He revealed that all relevant agencies and departments have put their heads together for this initiative. Pakistan is rich in mountain, religious, beach, urban and food tourism.
The authorities decided to provide e-visa facilities to 175 countries and visa-on-arrival to 50. Indian-origin British and American citizens can also avail the visa-on-arrival facility. Tour operators approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) will be allowed to bring tourist groups to Pakistan.
The authorities have also eased the process to acquire a work visa for nationals of 96 countries. Applicants will now receive their visas 7-10 days after the Board of Investment sends them a letter. Diplomatic and student visas will have their durations increased: from one year to three years; and from one year to three years respectively.
Visas for religious tourism will be valid for 45 days in these changes. In addition, the government is also lifting the restrictions on journalists of visiting only three cities. The information ministry will issue journalist visas.
Foreign tourists no longer have to acquire NOCs to visit open cantonments, Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
