New Pakistan visa policy to benefit UAE among 228 countries

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New Pakistan visa policy to benefit UAE among 228 countries

Islamabad - New aviation policy to encourage women pilots 'tall towers' in Islamabad.

By Yousuf Saifuddin Kapadia

Published: Tue 26 Mar 2019, 3:06 PM

Last updated: Wed 27 Mar 2019, 7:02 PM

Pakistan further relaxed its travel policy on Tuesday after announcing that foreign visitors will not require No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to visit various parts of the country.
Also read: Wanderlust travellers capture Pakistan's snowy winter
The announcement was made by Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, during a press conference after he had earlier tweeted a picture of the circular of the new civil aviation policy.
Also read: Pakistan announces e-visa for 175 countries, visa-on-arrival for 50

Another landmark acheived NOC regime for foreigners come to an end, ?@ImranKhanPTI? vision is to make Pak a heaven for tourists and following new Visa regime this important policy decision of ending NOC requirements is a leap forward #DiscoverPakistan pic.twitter.com/LEjU0QcQk5
- Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) March 26, 2019

Addressing the media, Chaudhry said that after granting electronic-visas to five select countries - including UAE - initially as part of the pilot project, Pakistan will begin giving e-visas to 170 countries from next month (April).
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The move is in line with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision of opening up Pakistan to the world and earning revenue for the exchequer by boosting tourism.
Meanwhile, 58 countries will get visa on arrival.
The minister said abolishing NOC for foreign tourists visiting Pakistan, was a landmark achievement.
Western tourists - mostly adventure seekers - have always keen on hiking, climbing and trekking expeditions in Pakistan's Northern Areas.
The country is working on developing the infrastructure in the region to facilitate tourists, such as building resorts and rides.

Scholarships for female pilots

The minister also had good news for girls interested in becoming pilots, with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to bear Rs0.4 million cost of a girl's training fees. This measure will encourage women pilots in the country.

Vertical cities

In line with Imran Khan's vision for 'vertical cities' in Pakistan, the minister announced that Islamabad's Capital Development Authority (CDA) and CAA will coordinate in order to facilitate the building of tall towers in the capital - instead of growing cities horizontally, impacting the natural landscape.
Earlier, Imran Khan had tweeted a picture of his vision for Pakistan's vertical cities and the news laws that will be made to facilitate their construction according to international standards.
(With inputs from APP)