Islamabad: The Federal Cabinet on Tuesday (June 28) decided to relax the visa policy for Afghan nationals and traders to promote bilateral trade between the two countries, news sources reported. The decision was made in light of the recommendation given by the Interior Ministry’s Afghan Inter-Ministerial Cell.
According to reports, the meeting, chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, approved the issuance of six-month multiple entry visas to traders and transporters. The Interior Minister will be authorised to extend visas for an additional six months if necessary.
At a press conference following the meeting, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that the Interior Ministry’s Afghan Inter-Ministerial Cell examined the visa policy for Afghans during an apex committee meeting attended by members of the Foreign Office, Nadra, and the Board of Investment.
The cabinet decided that Afghan visa applications would be processed by Pakistan’s overseas missions based on their current passports and nationalities rather than their country of origin.
In addition, to accommodate the changes, the government will develop a sub-category under the work visa class in the online visa system. For the processing of visa applications, Afghan nationals will be required to share their photograph, passport, transportation business registration, and employment letter.
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