Multiple visas to nationals increased from 48 to 96 countries

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The Interior Ministry revealed that the multiple visas to nationals increased from 48 to 96 countries. Highlighting major features of the new visa policy, Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi said multiple visas to nationals of 96 countries will be granted within 24 hours of applying. Citizens of 175 countries can apply for online visa Shehryar Afridi said citizens of 175 countries can apply for online visa while people from fifty countries will be granted visa on arrival. He also said initially citizens of five countries including UK, Turkey, Malaysia, UAE and China will be granted online visas in the pilot project. He said foreign nationals of Indian origin will also be allowed to avail the facility of visa on arrival for religious tourism. Average visa fee reduced from 22 to 65 per cent The state minister said average visa fee has been reduced from 22 to 65 per cent. He said nationals of UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain among others will be given multiple visas. He said the mindset regarding the allowing of foreigners into the country needs to be changed in order to portray a positive image of Pakistan to the world. Online visa facility is major step towards Naya Pakistan: FM On the occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs (FM) Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the launching of online visa facility is a major step towards Naya Pakistan. He said the decision made under the chairmanship of Prime Minister is a reflection that Pakistan is opening its doors to the world. He also said that the frustration faced by the nation in the past is now coming to an end. He said the government of PTI is fulfilling the wishes of people of Pakistan at economic, defense, foreign and other fronts. He said today's step is a major initiative towards Naya Pakistan. He said Pakistan is more peaceful and stable country thanks to sacrifices rendered by armed forces and people of Pakistan.