Pakistan to Finalize Visa-Free Entry With 25 Countries

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi remarked on Thursday that visa-free entry arrangements with 25 countries would be finalized within the next six months.

Key points

• State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry remarked excessive issuance of blue passports was affecting visa-free arrangements and undermining Pakistan's efforts to secure greater travel facilitation.
• Committee members asked for a detailed breakdown of the 30, 000 passports reduced from the overall number.
• While a similar agreement with Qatar is projected shortly, visa-free arrangements had already been created with Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
• Responding to a question from lawmaker Agha Rafiullah, Chaudhry remarked the numbers did have an impact on agreements with other countries.
• Naqvi remarked the matter required a collective decision by parliament in view of visa-exemption negotiations, international commitments and the planned transition to e-passports.

"The value of the green passport is currently improving, and its rating will advance further over the next six months, " he remarked while briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior, chaired by MNA Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz.

While a similar agreement with Qatar is projected shortly, visa-free arrangements had already been created with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. South Korea Demands Korean Language Skills for Foreign Student Visas.

He remarked the total number of blue passports stands at 70, 000, but some countries have indicated they could terminate visa-exemption agreements if the number is not reduced to 25, 000.

"Visa-free entry cannot be secured for 70, 000 blue passports, " he remarked, adding that most countries first ask concerning the total number of blue passports issued before considering such agreements.

Naqvi remarked 22, 000 blue passports have been cancelled and a ban imposed on new issuance, with the whole world urging Pakistan to cut the number to 25, 000 to secure travel concessions.

Blue passports are now being issued to parliamentarians for three years, he remarked.

Rafiullah disagreed, offering to surrender his own passport and demanding the administration identify the legal provisions governing blue passport issuance. "We are representatives of the individuals. That is not a logical answer, " he remarked. Pakistan Launches New E-Passport.

Committee members asked for a detailed breakdown of the 30, 000 passports reduced from the overall number. It chaudhry assured would be provided. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest news and stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover. Follow on Google News Join WhatsApp. See more ProPakistani stories in Google Search and Top Stories.

Taken together, the developments around pakistan to Finalize Visa point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.