Pakistan abolishes NOC condition for foreign tourists

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Tuesday said abolishing No Objection Certificate (NOC) condition, under new visa regime for foreign tourists visiting Pakistan, was a landmark achievement.

In a tweet, the minister said that under the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, visa policy has been relaxed to make Pakistan one of the favourite destinations for foreign tourists.

The minister said in his tweet: “Another landmark achieved, NOC regime for foreigners comes to an end, ImranKhanPTI vision is to make Pakistan a heaven for tourists and following new visa regime this important policy decision of ending NOC requirements is a leap forward.”

The notification shared by the minister read: "Free movement of foreigners shall be allowed in Open Cantonments except prohibited and restricted areas with visible signboards. The Border crossings will be open and non-restricted".

"AJK & Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral shall be non-restricted / non-prohibited except: Pak-China Border, 10 miles; Pak-Afgha Border (Wakhan Corridor), 10 miles; AJ&K (along LoC), 05 miles; GB (along LoC), 05 miles; Siachen (along Line of Actual COntact), 10 miles," it added.