The federal cabinet has approved a new visa regime for Afghan citizens, including traders and those who seek to visit Pakistan on medical grounds.

This was stated by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb while addressing a news conference following the federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.

She said under the reviewed policy, the Pakistan missions abroad will process the visa applications of Afghans on the basis of existing passport and nationality instead of their country of origin.

The Minister said in order to further promote bilateral trade with Afghanistan, the cabinet approved inclusion of a sub-category in the work visa category for drivers, transporters and helpers.

She said a multi-entry visa for six months will be issued within 48 hours, while the interior ministry has been authorized to extend the period to one year.

The cabinet also ratified decisions taken by the Economic Coordination Committee on June 22.

Source: Radio Pakistan