In view of the country’s security situation, the federal government has imposed a complete ban on granting visa extensions to all foreigners in the country for an indefinite period. Official sources said the security agencies had also been directed to strictly implement the procedures of security clearance for issuing visas to new applicants. Sources said that in view of security threats, the federal government has decided in principle not to extend the visas of all foreigners in the country.
The ban will apply on all the foreigners in the country, including official and non-official visitors. Sources said the authorities would issue letters to the foreigners with expiring visas, and ask them to return to their respective countries. Sources added that the Pakistani embassies and high commissions in all the countries of the world have been ordered to strictly follow the security clearance procedures upon receiving new visa applications. Sources said the embassies had been directed not to issue visa to any foreigner without due clearance by the intelligence agencies, adding that strict action would be taken against officials found involved in issuing Pakistani visas to foreigners without due security clearance.