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ISLAMABAD, Jan 19 (APP):Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry Monday informed the National Assembly that the government is taking all possible measures to facilitate overseas travel for its citizens.
Responding to a Calling Attention Notice by MNAs Sahibzada Subghatullah and others, the minister said that for countries with which Pakistan maintains diplomatic relations, citizens traveling for education, business, visits, or tourism are being assisted as much as possible.
“While the final decision to issue a visa rests with the respective country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ensures that the application and documentation process is simplified and made as smooth as possible for Pakistani travelers,” he added.
Tariq Chaudhry highlighted that an international overseas Pakistanis’ conference was recently held in Pakistan, where thousands of prominent Pakistani nationals residing and doing business abroad discussed the challenges they face during travel and at airports.
Following this, special facilitation desks have been set up at airports to verify documents and assist travelers, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
The minister also said that property-related issues for Pakistanis abroad are being addressed through special courts established by the federal government, with directives issued to provincial authorities to ensure timely resolution.
Citing specific examples, he said that recent visa-related issues with the UAE were resolved through the personal intervention of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, resulting in a mutual agreement allowing visa-free entry for Pakistani official passport holders.
Similar facilitation measures are being implemented for other countries to address complaints and simplify travel procedures, he said.
He assured that ongoing efforts are aimed at addressing remaining complaints and expediting services for students and patients traveling abroad.
Tariq Chaudhry assured that Pakistani students and patients traveling abroad for education or medical treatment are fully assisted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The minister emphasized that no Pakistani with valid travel documents and visas is denied boarding. Any difficulties arise solely due to incomplete documentation or discrepancies in travel papers.
“Our objective is to facilitate overseas travel and ensure that all lawful travelers can proceed without unnecessary delays,” he concluded.