Pakistan and Italy have signed a new agreement allowing holders of diplomatic passports to travel between the two countries without obtaining a visa.
The accord was signed in Rome by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Italy, Ali Javed, and Italy’s Foreign Affairs Secretary General, Riccardo Guariglia, during a ceremony held at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Prior to the signing, the two officials held discussions on bilateral relations and reviewed cooperation across various sectors, as well as collaboration at international forums including the United Nations and the European Union.
Both sides expressed satisfaction over the growing strength of Pakistan-Italy relations and described the visa-free arrangement as a step that will facilitate easier movement of diplomatic delegations and further enhance bilateral engagement.
Officials said the agreement reflects the mutual trust and longstanding friendship between the two countries and will serve as an important addition to existing cooperation mechanisms.
Pakistan and Italy currently share 15 government-to-government agreements covering sectors such as tourism, culture, science and technology, sports, higher defence studies, and anti-narcotics cooperation.
Among the key frameworks underpinning bilateral ties are the Defence Cooperation Agreement signed in 2009, the Strategic Engagement Plan launched in 2013, and the Joint Economic Commission established in 2005. Other notable agreements include the Investment Protection Treaty of 1997, the Dual Citizenship Agreement of 1983, and the Extradition Treaty of 1972.
In a separate development earlier, Italy made stricter financial rules for international students applying for a study visa Type D, according to the reports today.
According to the Ministry of University and Research Italy, students must now show financial resources of 10,179.85 euros per year, for the academic years 2026 to 2027 and 2027 to 2028.
This is about 3.2 million Pakistani rupees. Before this, the required amount was around 6,000 euros.
Under the new rules, the funds must be legal and verifiable. The money should preferably be in the student’s own bank account.
A close family member can act as a sponsor, and temporary deposits will not be accepted. The embassy will check all financial documents very carefully.
Officials said that applying for a scholarship is not enough. Students have to show a full bank statement unless the scholarship is fully approved.
Also read: Italy announces special scholarships for Pakistani students, apply here
