ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said government had introduced significant visa reforms to facilitate foreign investors, business community and tourists.

He said step would help promoting tourism, boost foreign investment and increase trade activities in country.

In statement. Terming initiative highly positive development, he said government had approved visa-free entry for businessmen from Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which will increase investment and business opportunities from these countries.

Businessmen, investors and tourists of 126 countries will be issued visas within 24 hours through an online system, he said. Additionally, he said traders and tourists from these countries will be exempt from visa fees.

Visa policy reforms will make Pakistan an attractive destination for foreign individuals in terms of business and tourisms. Prime Minister highlighted that special arrangements had also been made for Sikh pilgrims having passports of third-county to obtain visas on arrival.Electronic gates will be installed at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad airports to facilitate travellers. Dashboard will be established at Ministry of Interior to monitor implementation of new visa regime, including visa-free entry, business visa list and tourist visa on arrival, he added.

PM Shehbaz commended performance of Ministry of Interior, relevant ministries and institutions in implementing new visa regime.

As international community observed World Hepatitis Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for united efforts to raise awareness and work towards hepatitis-free future, also announcing nationwide campaign to eradicate disease.“I am pleased to announce nationwide campaign aimed at eradicating Hepatitis C.

As part of this noble endeavor, our focus will be on decentralising testing and treatment centres, ensuring that services provided are tailored to needs of our citizens, in alignment with global strategy,” he said in statement. PM Shehbaz reassured that every citizen would have free access to screening and treatment facilities for Hepatitis C.

World Hepatitis Day was observed with theme ‘It’s Time for Action.’ Theme highlights urgent need for swift and decisive measures to tackle disease on global scale.

Published in The Daily National Courier, July, 29 2024

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