ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad on Wednesday said that online visa service will be started for Afghan citizens to make this process more transparent and smooth.
Talking to the media, the minister said that this new system will start working within 10 days as the government will provide an on-arrival visa.
He said that the government will use modern technology to get data and maintain the complete records of entry and exit movements. He said that this system will be applicable on two borders initially while other five borders will be included later.
He said that the government is going to announce an amnesty to all visa-holders to submit an application by 30th of next month and make sure their exit from Pakistan.
“Otherwise, they have to face cases against them in Pakistan”, he added.
He said that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been given the task to avoid hoarding of dollars in the country. He added the present government is making sincere efforts to provide all basic facilities for the country’s people.
He said that things are changing in the region and Pakistan being a responsible state would fulfill its responsibility of national security while meeting international expectations as a major country in the region with the objective to strengthen peace in Afghanistan.
He said that the borders of Torkham and Chaman have been placed on the biometric system while the remaining borders will also be added to the system later.
He said that the Pakistan army is proficiently accomplishing its responsibility to safeguard the country and performing duties on borders to protect every inch of the motherland.
He said that unfortunately Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is trying to malign state institutions for petty political gains but it will fail to do so, he added.
“Defeat is their fate and it will face same in future as they are doing all this to be in power,” he added.
He advised former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to come back if he wants a serious role in the country’s politics.
Replying to a question about barring former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani from traveling abroad, Rasheed said that his name is placed on Exit Control List (ECL), however, he can approach the interior ministry or court regarding the matter.
Talks between government and TTP:
Talking about the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Rasheed said that he has no updates regarding the talks between the government and the banned TTP.
There would be no harm in talks with the TTP if they commit to uphold the sanctity of the Constitution, the minister added.
He said it has been reported that three or four groups have joined the banned organisation.
