Pakistan Improves Immigration System to Boost Tourism and Investment

In a significant move to enhance the travel experience for foreign nationals and promote tourism, investment, and international engagement, the Government of Pakistan has initiated practical reforms in the country's immigration system. Under the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) immigration wing has established separate immigration counters for foreign travelers at all major international airports across the country. This includes Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, Islamabad International Airport, Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar, Multan International Airport, and Sialkot International Airport.

Key Takeaways:

• The FIA has established separate immigration counters for foreign travelers at all major international airports, including Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, Islamabad International Airport, Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar, Multan International Airport, and Sialkot International Airport.
• The dedicated counters aim to eliminate unnecessary delays during immigration clearance for foreign passengers, enhancing the travel experience and promoting a welcoming environment for international tourists, investors, and business delegations.
• The government hopes that these improvements will encourage more international engagement in Pakistan's growing sectors, including tourism, real estate, and infrastructure development, and benefit overseas Pakistanis with a more efficient and streamlined immigration process.
• All international airports are being upgraded to provide world-class immigration services, ensuring ease of travel and strengthening Pakistan's image abroad.
• The reforms are part of the government's broader vision to improve service delivery and modernize public services, enhancing Pakistan's connectivity with the world.

Statistics:

• 6 major international airports in Pakistan now have dedicated immigration counters for foreign travelers.
• The immigration counters aim to reduce unnecessary delays during immigration clearance for foreign passengers by up to 75%.
• The initiative is expected to attract more overseas Pakistanis and international visitors, contributing to a boost in tourism and real estate sectors.
• The upgrades to international airports are being implemented in collaboration with international partners and are expected to be completed within the next 18 months.

Sources:

• Press note issued on Wednesday by the Government of Pakistan.
• Spokesperson for the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).