Key Takeaways
- Pakistan and Oman have agreed to visa-free entry for specific Pakistani passport holders.
- The agreement covers diplomatic, special, official, and service passports.
- The deal was signed during the eighth Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission session.
Pakistan and Oman have signed a mutual visa exemption agreement, allowing holders of specific Pakistani passports to enter Oman without a visa. The agreement, signed during the eighth Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission session, covers diplomatic, special, official, and service passports.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi signed the agreement. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif witnessed the exchange of six documents, including the commission’s meeting protocol and memoranda of understanding on records and archives, information and broadcasting, information technology and telecommunications, and news exchange and media cooperation.
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the importance of Oman as a maritime neighbor and valued partner. He expressed that the successful session would help expand cooperation and deepen bilateral engagement. The Omani foreign minister welcomed the outcome, praising Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions and promote peaceful solutions.
The agreement does not cover ordinary Pakistani passports, meaning it is not a general visa waiver for tourists or other travelers. The specific terms and conditions of the visa exemption, including the duration of stay, were not specified in the announcements.
The joint ministerial commission session also saw the signing of several other documents aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries. These included agreements on records and archives, information and broadcasting, information technology and telecommunications, and news exchange and media cooperation.
The agreement is part of ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral ties between Pakistan and Oman. Both countries have expressed their commitment to expanding cooperation in various fields, including maritime, economic, and cultural sectors.
The signing of the visa exemption agreement is seen as a significant step in the relationship between the two nations, reflecting their shared interests and mutual respect. The agreement is expected to facilitate easier travel and interaction between the diplomatic communities of both countries.
