ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Interior of Pakistan, amid growing security concerns, is reported to have undertaken a comprehensive overhaul of the visa process for foreign nationals to revoke the direct authorization previously granted for ‘On-Arrival’ and ‘Prior-to-Arrival’ visas.
Under the anticipated new policy, the responsibility for issuing visas will be transferred exclusively to Pakistani embassies and diplomatic missions in foreign countries, a shift aims to enhance security by requiring all visa processing to occur through official diplomatic channels.
According to media reports, the Ministry of Interior will continue to utilize the existing online portal for visa applications. However, all online submissions will now be forwarded immediately to the relevant Pakistani embassy for evaluation. Visas will be issued only after the concerned embassy has conducted a thorough review and granted clearance.
Media reports quoted sources as saying that these changes were expected to promote transparency in the visa process and address security threats more effectively. The proposed policy is believed to come into effect immediately, making it mandatory for foreigners to secure diplomatic clearance prior to their entry into Pakistan.
