Pakistan to Offer Free Visas to Chinese Citizens

Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan will begin offering free visas to Chinese citizens starting August 14. This decision was made during a press conference following a high-level meeting with a Chinese delegation, led by Wang Fukang.

Prime Minister Sharif underscored the significance of this gesture, calling it a milestone in the enduring bilateral relationship between China and Pakistan. He described the relationship between the two nations as an “eternal bond of friendship” and expressed satisfaction with the ongoing collaboration.

The Premier highlighted several key areas where Pakistan and China are poised to strengthen their cooperation, including investments in industry, agriculture, and economic zones. He emphasized that enhanced collaboration in the agricultural sector will enable Pakistan to export high-demand products to China, aligning with Chinese quality standards and expanding trade opportunities.

Sharif also pointed out the potential for increased industrial cooperation, noting that transferring advanced industrial projects from China to Pakistan could be mutually advantageous. “We are keen on joint ventures and partnerships in China’s advanced industrial sectors,” he said, detailing the strategic benefits of such engagements.

The decision to provide free visas follows recent security concerns involving Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Prime Minister Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding Chinese citizens and investments, referencing the tragic incident in Bisham where Chinese citizens were killed. He assured that comprehensive measures have been implemented to protect Chinese investments and personnel across Pakistan, promising robust legal action against those responsible for such incidents.

During the meeting with the 12-member Chinese delegation, which also included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Syed Mohsin Naqvi, Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Khan Cheema, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, as well as Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong, Sharif reiterated his vision of transforming Pakistan’s economy by emulating the successful Chinese model.

“Our friendship is higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the deep sea,” Sharif declared, underscoring the profound and multifaceted nature of Pakistan-China relations.