ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that facility of interview waivers by United States for Pakistani nationals across all age groups, who had already held US visas in past was extremely helpful. “This should speed up visa process and will increase people-to-people ties,” he said in meeting with US Ambassador Donald Blome who called on him here.

Met Amb. Blome @USembislamabad at MoFA today. Thanked 🇺🇸 for $100M pledge at Resilient 🇵🇰 Conf in Geneva & its continued resolve in support of our long-term rehabilitation. Emphasized further deepening of 🇵🇰 🇺🇸 bilat. ties incl. in trade, health & security. pic.twitter.com/gAQ1YrsfOJ

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) January 12, 2023

“Thank you @SecBlinken we have discussed visa issues at length. This should speed up visa process and will increase people-to-people ties,” he wrote on Twitter.

Bilawal thanked United States for announcing an additional $ 100 million at Geneva conference for reconstruction and rehabilitation of flood-hit areas of Pakistan. FM told Ambassador that he had discussed in detail with US Secretary of State visa facilities for Pakistani citizens. US Ambassador reiterated his country’s resolve to keep extending support to Pakistan for rehabilitation of flood victims.

 According to US Embassy, all Pakistani citizens regardless of age whose B1/B2 visas are valid or have expired within last 48 months are eligible to participate. Previously, only Pakistani citizens of ages 45 and older were eligible to participate. Additionally, interview waiver eligibility for student and petition-based work visa applicants who have previously held US visa is also extended through 2023.

However, as required by US law, some eligible visa holders may be required to appear at US Embassy or US Consulate General for interviews after submission of their applications. Meanwhil,e British High Commissioner to Pakistan Dr Christian Turner paid farewell call on Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari here. They exchanged views on Pakistan-UK relations and enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields. Foreign Minister expressed his gratitude for announcement of an additional amount of nine million pounds in aid by United Kingdom to help flood victims of Pakistan. Bilawal appreciated steps taken by British High CommissioAner for creating climate change awareness in Pakistan. He expressed his best wishes for outgoing British High Commissioner.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 13 2023

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