New visa policy to uplift tourism announced by PM Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD: In an effort to promote tourism and investments in the country, Prime Minister Imran Khan announced new visa policy for 190 countries on Thursday.

According to a report by Geo.tv, while addressing the ceremony in Islamabad, the premier stated that the country’s security issues have been drastically reduced, which provides a much improved environment for investments to take place.

Asserting that the new visa policy will be exhibit the country with a new mindset, tourists will be drawn in to witness the altered outlook and the country’s potential for themselves.

The premier went on to state that for better investment opportunities to come into the country, tourism prospects need to be upgraded and promoted.

It was revealed earlier by the interior ministry that the countries in the ‘B list’ have been greatly reduced with only India and Somalia remaining.

Reports further revealed that an approximate of 175 countries will be able to apply for an e-visa; however as of now the facility will be available for a total of five countries comprising of Turkey, China, Malaysia, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, China and Malaysia, from where can apply for a visa via email for an $8 fee.

On the other hand, the list of countries for business visas has also been elongated from 48 to 96 which will later be increased to 170 countries, as revealed by information minister Fawad Chaudhry.

"Ninety countries will be offered business visa, while 55 countries will be granted visa on arrival. Visa fee has been reduced significantly to attract more and more tourists to Pakistan," he had stated.

Chaudhry had also announced that Karachi and Lahore airports have been installed with passenger identification systems, which later be set up in airports around the country as well.