Federal cabinet approves relaxation in new visa policy

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The federal cabinet approved relaxation in the visa policy during a meeting on Thursday. The meeting briefed the members that visa conditions for over 190 countries are being relaxed. “The visa policy will be announced soon,” he said. The meeting will decide a subsidy of Rs 45,000 for Hajis. It will also approve the Haj Policy 2019. The meeting will also discuss the 20-point agenda is the approval of the appointment of the heads of several institutions. It will also be discussing the anti-drug policy and Pakistan visa policy. The cabinet will approve additional technical grant for the Prime Minister s Youth Training Scheme and an agreement for the promotion of sports between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The national anti-narcotics policy 2018, and proposed Hajj Policy will be presented before the cabinet apart of a briefing on inactive state institutions. The new Hajj Policy is expected to be announced after its approval by the cabinet. The cabinet will also decide on transfer of Karachi Infrastructure Development Company from Communications Ministry to the Cabinet Division. Federal Cabinet will also grant approval to various agreements and memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with different countries. Moreover, the cabinet will approve the rules for appointment of Deputy Governor State Bank of Pakistan Jameel Ahmed and decide approval of the appointment of Chairman Port Qasim Authority and managing directors of Pak-Libya Holding Company and the National Investment Trust in today’s meeting. Earlier, the federal government announced a new policy of granting visa-on-arrival facilities to 50 countries, and an additional provision of e-visas to citizens of 175 countries. Previously, visa-on-arrival privileges were extended to only 24 countries. On Jan 24, Imran Khan presided over a meeting of the federal cabinet and reviewed a 17-point agenda. The meeting discussed overall political and economic situation of the country. The prime minister termed it the duty of government to protect the lives and property of the people. He vowed to provide exemplary punishment to those responsible for Sahiwal tragedy. During the meeting, a summary regarding application of the Pakistan Essential Services Maintenance Act 1952 on the PIA, Pakistan Security Printing Corporation and Security Papers Limited Karachi presented to the meeting. Moreover, a progress report on reforms in institutions and a summary to amend the National Disaster Management Act 2010 also presented to the cabinet. The resignations of chairperson, vice-chairperson and youth were discussed in the meeting. A summary regarding appointment of a senior member in the Federal Land Commission and reorganization of the Balochistan and Lahore PEMRA Council of Complaints also be on the agenda.