Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry has announced that Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed visa-free agreements.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Chaudhry said the new arrangement would facilitate travel between the two countries, particularly for holders of official and diplomatic passports. He added that previously, no visa-on-arrival facility was available for such passport holders.
The minister said that relations between Pakistan and the UAE remain strong and friendly. He questioned the spread of rumours regarding the deportation of Pakistanis from the UAE, adding that if any such complaints arise, the government will investigate the matter.
Talal Chaudhry further stated that, after Saudi Arabia, the UAE is the second-largest source of remittances for Pakistan. He praised the Pakistani community living in the Emirates for contributing significantly to the development of both countries.
Discussing the security situation, the federal minister said that both the federal and provincial governments are jointly fighting the war against terrorism, and all political parties are united on the National Action Plan (NAP).
He also emphasised the need for a comprehensive debate in Parliament on the implementation of the National Action Plan, saying there should be discussion on which provinces have effectively implemented the policy and which have not.
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