DUSHANBE: In a major development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that Pakistan and Tajikistan have exempted official passports from visa requirements.

The premier arrived in Dushanbe yesterday on a two-day official visit. President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon hosted him as he arrived at the Qasr-e-Millat, Tajikistan's presidential palace. The bilateral ties between Islamabad and Dushanbe would strengthen as several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed between the two countries, PM Shehbaz said while addressing a press conference in the capital city of Tajikistan.

He also vowed to work to promote trade, agriculture, health, education, and investment between the two nations. PM has urged for increased trade, investment, and connectivity between Pakistan and Tajikistan, Radio Pakistan reported. Addressing a joint news conference with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe on Tuesday, Sharif emphasised the need for further cooperation in diverse fields such as agriculture, education, health, and trade.

"Numerous Memorandums of Understanding were signed today between the two countries, which will be instrumental in furthering our relations," said Sharif. He highlighted the strategic partnership agreement's importance, congratulating Tajikistan for its role in strengthening brotherly relations and expanding cooperation.

The prime minister stressed the necessity of rail connectivity between Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and the port of Karachi, to boost regional trade and integration. Goods, he said, are being transported from the Karachi port to Tajikistan via Afghanistan.

He also announced that Pakistan and Tajikistan exempted official passports from visa requirements. Speaking about the issue of terrorism, the prime minister said that both Pakistan and Tajikistan are afflicted by the menace. "Pakistan has been facing the scourge of terrorism for a long time now. The country has made significant sacrifices in the war against terrorism," he said."

We pulled off uprooting terrorism from the country in 2017. However, the menace is resurging now, unfortunately," he stressed, adding that Pakistan wanted to eliminate terrorism through joint efforts with Tajikistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz also underscored the importance of peace in the region, saying: "The region can't prosper without peace."

He also highlighted the challenges facing by the world, including the Ukraine war and the precarious humanitarian situation in Gaza, expressing his support for the Palestinian people's right to freedom. At least 37,925 Palestinians have been killed and 87,141 have been injured in the Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip since October 7, the Gaza health ministry said in a statement yesterday.

The premier expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he received in Tajikistan. He invited the President of Tajikistan to visit Pakistan.

Published in The Daily National Courier, July, 03 2024

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