Desk News: Pakistan has recently introduced a new visa policy, allowing citizens from 126 countries, including Bangladesh, to travel to the country without paying a visa fee. This announcement was confirmed by Ahmad Maroof, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh.

Earlier, it was reported by the Public Relations Officer of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs that no visa would be required for traveling to Pakistan. However, the ministry later clarified that while a visa is still required, no visa fee will be charged.

On Monday, September 2, Pakistan’s High Commissioner met with Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Advisor to the Ministry of Home Affairs, at the Secretariat.

During the meeting, they discussed various topics of mutual interest, including flood rehabilitation, improving bilateral relations, simplifying visa procedures, resuming direct flights, and cooperation in agricultural research.

At the start of the meeting, the Advisor welcomed the High Commissioner and briefed him on the recent floods in southeastern Bangladesh. The High Commissioner assured that Pakistan would provide assistance to Bangladesh’s flood-affected areas.

The High Commissioner also mentioned that the anti-discrimination student movement in Bangladesh had an impact in Pakistan, with many Pakistanis celebrating by waving Bangladesh’s flag.

The Advisor noted that controlling corruption and stabilizing prices are the government’s biggest challenges. The High Commissioner agreed, stating that Pakistan faces similar challenges.

The High Commissioner expressed a desire to strengthen bilateral relations, overcoming the dryness observed in the relationship over the past 15 years. Both parties agreed to ease visa procedures.

The High Commissioner highlighted Pakistan’s new visa policy, introduced two weeks ago, which allows citizens from 126 countries, including Bangladesh, to travel to Pakistan without a visa fee.

He also emphasized the importance of resuming direct flights between the two countries to strengthen bilateral relations and business interests. The last direct flights, operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), were in 2018.

The meeting also covered detailed discussions on enhancing cooperation in combating human trafficking, counter-terrorism, and agricultural research.

Present at the meeting were Counselor Kamran Dhungal and Zain Aziz from the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

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