“SIFC to Implement Streamlined Visa System for Foreign Businessmen

Following the fifth meeting of the Apex Committee of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Pakistan has decided to introduce a simplified visa process for foreign businessmen wishing to visit the country. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, who presided over the meeting, announced this significant decision.

Under the new visa regime, foreign businessmen seeking to visit Pakistan will be eligible for easy visas based on a document from their home country or international business organizations. Pakistani missions will grant visas to foreign businessmen upon presentation of this single document, effectively making Pakistan a more accessible destination for business. Additionally, foreign businessmen who receive documents from Pakistan’s chambers of commerce or business organizations will also qualify for these streamlined visas.

This initiative aims to facilitate mid-sized and large business operations and is expected to usher in a new era of economic and business growth in Pakistan. Kakar urged the ministries to maximize their efforts during this interim period and initiate both short-term and long-term policy measures.

In parallel, the SIFC convened the second session of its fifth Apex Committee Meeting to gather input from key ministries including foreign affairs, interior, information technology and telecommunications, national food security and research, and water resources. These ministries presented comprehensive plans with timelines and solutions to address significant challenges and enhance the business and investment environment in Pakistan.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) expressed the Pakistan Army’s unwavering support for the government’s efforts to revive the country’s economy. The committee underscored its commitment to making decisions that serve the greater good of Pakistan and to combat issues such as smuggling, hoarding, and market manipulation through a robust enforcement mechanism.”