Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has announced a new easy visa regime for foreign tycoons who wish to visit Pakistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
In a statement after the fifth meeting of the Apex Committee of Special Investment Facilitation Council on Saturday, the prime minister said that foreign businessmen who want to visit Pakistan would be issued easy visas on the basis of a single document from their country or from international business organizations.
The prime minister said if Pakistan’s chambers of business or business organizations issue a document to a foreign businessman, easy visas would also be issued to them.
He expressed the hope that under this new visa regime, Pakistan would enter a new phase of business and economy.
The 5th Apex Committee of SIFC in its meeting focused on efforts to improve business and investment climate in the country.
The second session was arranged to seek input from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Information Technology & Telecommunications, National Food Security & Research, and Water Resources for improving the business and investment climate in the Country.
The meeting was chaired by the caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Federal Cabinet, Provincial Chief Ministers, and high-level government officials. Ministries presented comprehensive plans, covering milestones, timelines, and solutions to overcome major challenges.
The committee unanimously decided to take all decisions in the larger interest of the country and deal with the menace of smuggling, hoarding, and market manipulations with iron hands through an elaborate enforcement mechanism.
The prime minister directed the ministries to optimally utilize the short interim period for a positive contribution while also initiating medium and long-term policy interventions.
Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir pledged unwavering support of Pakistan Army to back government’s efforts for economic revival of the country.
Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) declared that there would be no compromise on the writ of the state and nobody would be allowed to impose its agenda through use of force and barrel of the gun.
Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani conveyed the declaration on behalf of the Apex Committee of SIFC after its 5th meeting.
He was addressing a press conference along with Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi, Minister for Interior Sarfraz Bugti, Minister for Information Technology Umar Saif, Minister for Law Ahmad Irfan Aslam and Advisor to PM Jawad Sohrab Malik.
The minister said Pakistan was playing an important and effective role in the region and at international forums. Pakistan had improved its relations with China, the United States, the European Union, Saudi Arabia, Gulf Cooperation Council, and countries in the Middle East and Central Asia, he maintained.
He said the Gulf countries had shown keen interest in investment in Pakistan after the formation of the SIFC. He said a comprehensive policy would be formulated for the resolution of issues of overseas Pakistanis.
Govt resolves to curb smuggling
The government had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against smuggling and it would speed up the process of ensuring sale of taxable goods, he mentioned.
In his remarks, Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti said that a significant business-friendly visa policy was introduced, aiming to promote investment and stimulate economic growth. He said that, under the revised policy, the visa process had been streamlined to be more business-friendly, facilitating foreign investors in establishing businesses within the country. Additionally, visas will be issued with greater ease to individuals associated with business entities, and recommendations from bodies like the Chamber of Commerce will also be considered.
Minister Bugti emphasised the government’s commitment to combat smuggling vigorously. A collaborative anti-smuggling campaign, involving federal and provincial law enforcement agencies, had been initiated to prevent the illegal trafficking of various goods, including currencies, fertilizers, sugar, and wheat.
Comprehensive strategy for repatriating refugees
Furthermore, he revealed a comprehensive strategy for repatriating refugees to their respective countries. The objective was to significantly increase refugee registration rates from 38% to an impressive target set at 98%, with the assistance of NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority).
Bugti reaffirmed the government’s dedication to maintaining peace and stability. He underlined the successful past efforts in combating terrorism and stressed the government’s resolve to prevent any individuals or groups from pursuing any agenda through firearms and violence.
Taxation system being digitalized; IT training to be provided to 200,000 youngsters
Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Dr Umar Saif said that the taxation system was being digitalized and that it will help in documenting the economy.
He said the Information Technology (IT) sector had emerged as a vital contributor to the nation’s economy.
With a growing focus on digitization, the taxation system was undergoing a significant digital transformation, which was poised to streamline economic documentation, Dr Saif added.
He said that the ongoing digitization efforts were expected to provide a substantial boost to the economy by creating a more transparent and documented financial landscape. He said this initiative aligned with the government’s goal of transitioning towards a cashless economy.
The minister said Pakistan’s IT sector had already made substantial strides, with total earnings reaching a remarkable $2.6 billion. These earnings, he said, were expected to increase further with the implementation of measures aimed at enhancing the IT industry’s contribution to the nation’s reserves. He said the IT training will be provided to approximately 200,000 young individuals.
The minister was of the view that this initiative sought to empower the youth and make them an integral part of the global economy. In addition to workforce development, measures are being taken to facilitate freelancers, with plans to provide services for up to five million individuals across the country, he added.
This initiative, the minister said, aimed to boost economic growth by enabling freelancers to contribute billions of dollars to Pakistan’s economy.
He said Pakistan was making strides in mobile phone manufacturing, which was expected to stimulate local industry and create job opportunities.
Pakistan suffered $30bn loss due to environmental issues last year
Minister for Law Ahmad Irfan Aslam said the SIFC looked into the environmental issues faced by Pakistan, which suffered a loss of $30 billion last year.
He said a policy was being prepared for conservation of water, adding, “We are preparing a carbon registry and a fund to fight climate change.”
President to hold office till appointment of his successor
The caretaker law minister said President Arif Alvi would remain in office till a successor replaced him.
He said the caretaker government was a continuation of the constitutional order and would work according to its mandate.
He resolved that the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would be fulfilled.