Pakistan waives visa fee for Bangladeshi travelers: High Commissioner

Pakistan has introduced a new visa policy allowing citizens from 126 countries, including Bangladesh, to travel to Pakistan without paying a visa fee. 

The announcement was made by Pakistan's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmad Maroof, during a meeting with Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury at the Secretariat Monday.

The new policy, which was implemented two weeks ago, aims to simplify travel and promote stronger diplomatic and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and the included countries. The High Commissioner expressed optimism that this initiative would boost tourism, trade, education, and cultural exchanges between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

In addition to discussing the visa policy, the meeting also touched on the potential resumption of direct flights between the two countries, which have been suspended since 2018. Both sides agreed that restoring these flights is crucial for enhancing travel and business connections.

The new visa policy is seen as a significant step towards revitalizing bilateral relations, which have faced challenges over the past 15 years. Senior officials from both countries, including Kamran Dhangal, Counselor of the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka, and home ministry officials, were present during the discussions.