Islamabad, Aug 2 (UNI) The Pakistan government has decided to exclude India and Afghanistan from its list of friendly nations for visa-free entry, media reports said on Friday.
The Pakistani government announced the exclusion of India and Afghanistan from the visa-free entry plan for nationals and business persons of friendly countries list, Tribune Express reported.
The Pakistan’s federal ministry of interior announced the exclusion citing security reasons and emphasized on the smooth facilitation of religious tourism for Buddhists and Sikhs.
The ministry assured the implementation of all the safety measures under National Database Registration Authority (NADRA), the reports said.
According to the reports, the ministry said special instructions are given to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to present a welcoming image of Pakistan at international airport to foster a welcoming image and create a positive atmosphere.
The cabinet informed that the aim of electronic initiative is to facilitate minimum human interaction.
According to reports, the introduction of new electronic travel plan form reduces the required field from 161 to 31 with limited information required.
The expected time duration under new visa rule is from 30 minutes to 24 hours for complex cases, it added.
