"Immigration Desks Dedicated for International Travelers to be Introduced in Pakistan"
In a bid to create a secure and welcoming environment for foreign visitors and investors, Pakistan has announced several key initiatives aimed at promoting tourism, ensuring trade continuity, and facilitating foreign investment.
One of the most significant developments is the establishment of separate immigration counters for foreign passengers at all international airports. This measure, directed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is expected to reduce wait times, create a more efficient immigration process, and provide a welcoming environment for foreign visitors. The rollout begins in major airports like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, and includes updated signage and assistance to ease navigation for foreign travelers.
A $15 million deal has also been signed with a company named PAA to enhance security at Pakistan's airports. This deal is anticipated to play a role in facilitating the smooth flow of international traffic and contribute to the overall efficiency of airport operations in Pakistan. The deal aims to bolster Pakistan's airport security infrastructure, which is essential for ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo, thereby promoting confidence in the country's infrastructure among international travelers and investors.
The initiatives also aim to promote tourism in Pakistan. The government is collaborating with China on enhancing tourism collaboration and cultural diplomacy, including joint projects to restore, preserve, and digitally document historical landmarks, strengthen museum partnerships, and organize cultural delegations, art exhibitions, and film festivals. Pakistan is also participating in regional tourism initiatives such as the Central Asia Tour 2025 motorbike rally, which covers over 5,000 km and fosters tourism, peace, and cultural integration across the region.
The initiatives are not limited to tourism. They are part of a broader government effort to improve Pakistan’s international image, attract foreign direct investment (FDI), and ensure business continuity. The deal's implementation is likely to contribute to the overall efficiency of airport operations in Pakistan, thereby facilitating trade activities.
The establishment of separate immigration counters for foreign passengers is also expected to expedite immigration procedures for returning Pakistanis. The announcement was made through a press release by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The deal focuses on improving airport security, a crucial aspect in attracting foreign visitors and investors.
These initiatives demonstrate Pakistan's multi-faceted approach: developing international cultural ties, improving airport infrastructure and services, participating in regional tourism events, and enhancing security to promote tourism, trade, and foreign investment.
A foreign traveler visiting Pakistan might find the immigration process more efficient due to the establishment of separate counters for foreign passengers, which aim to reduce wait times and create a welcoming environment. In an effort to promote tourism, Pakistan is collaborating with China on initiatives that include restoring historical landmarks and organizing cultural events, fostering tourism, peace, and cultural integration across the region.
