Qureshi apprises Pompeo on steps taken by Pakistan under NAP

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi and his American counterpart Mike Pompeo have described end of tension as imperative for peace and stability in South Asia. In a telephonic conversation this evening, the two foreign ministers reviewed bilateral relations and peace and stability in the region. Shah Mehmood Qureshi also apprised Mike Pompeo on the steps taken by Pakistan under National Action Plan. The foreign minister informed Pompeo about the measures taken by Pakistan for reducing tension in the region, including release of captive Indian pilot Abhinandan. Shah Mehmood Qureshi said bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United States carry special significance for peace and stability in the region. He said the US role for de-escalation in the region is laudable. The minister said the US should play its role for resumption of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve all outstanding issues. The two leaders agreed to continue cooperation on Afghan peace process. They also discussed facilitation being extended by Pakistan for Afghan peace process. The two sides also agreed on the progress made so far in the Afghanistan peace process in view of the expected visit of US envoy on Afghan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad to Pakistan. The foreign minister said intra-Afghan dialogue is an important component of this reconciliatory process. He emphasized on promotion of contacts between leadership of Pakistan and the US.

Pakistan’s visa policy thoroughly revamped

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that Pakistan’s visa policy has been thoroughly revamped. Visa fee has been rationalized to make it enticing from tourists around the world. He said online visa facility has been provided to citizens of 175 countries. He added that all roads leading to international borders will also be opened for foreigners. The foreign minister said Pakistani missions abroad will issue multiple visas of five year duration. He further said the new aviation policy will promote tourism to northern areas.

Portugal removed travel advisory for Pakistan

“Foreign Office is making concerted efforts to remove foreign advisories. As a result, Portugal has removed the travel advisory for Pakistan while Canada has softened it,” he said.

Govt to promote tourism

The minister said in order to promote tourism successfully, federal, provincial and local governments will have to work in tandem with hospitality, service and transport sectors all have to work He said National Tourism Coordination Board has been set up bringing together various stakeholders for promotion of tourism and art in the country.