Pakistan will grant visas on arrival to delegates and media attending upcoming United States-Iran ceasefire talks in Islamabad, in a move aimed at facilitating participation and ensuring smooth diplomatic engagement following a fragile truce in the Middle East. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the decision on social media platform X, saying that the government would extend full facilitation to participants of the talks. He said, “Pakistan will issue visas on arrival to delegates and journalists attending the US-Iran talks in Islamabad,” adding that all necessary arrangements were being made to ensure seamless entry and coordination. Pakistan welcomes all delegates including journalists from participating nations, traveling in relation to Islamabad Talks 2026. To this end, all airlines are requested to permit boarding to all such individuals without Visa. Immigration authorities in Pakistan will issue them… pic.twitter.com/mvWJyv2P4s— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) April 10, 2026 The decision comes as Islamabad prepares to host one of the most critical rounds of negotiations between Washington and Tehran after weeks of conflict. Authorities said airlines have been instructed to allow boarding of participants without prior visas, with immigration officials set to issue visas on arrival upon entry. Islamabad gears up for crucial talks Preparations in the Pakistani capital have intensified ahead of the negotiations, with heightened security and logistical arrangements reflecting the importance of the event. The talks follow a two-week ceasefire brokered with Pakistan’s involvement, which paused hostilities in a conflict that has had significant regional and global implications. Diplomatic sources say Pakistan’s decision to simplify visa procedures is aimed at encouraging wider participation, including international media, and ensuring that discussions proceed without administrative delays. Officials emphasized that the country welcomes all delegates traveling in connection with the talks. The negotiations are expected to focus on extending the ceasefire, addressing key areas of disagreement and exploring pathways toward a more durable agreement. Pakistan’s diplomatic role gains momentum Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran has drawn increasing global attention. Analysts say Islamabad’s ability to maintain communication channels with both sides has positioned it as a key intermediary in a conflict where direct engagement has been limited. The ceasefire itself marked a significant breakthrough after weeks of escalating tensions that disrupted energy markets and raised fears of a wider regional war. Pakistan’s leadership engaged in sustained diplomatic outreach to bring both sides to the negotiating table, laying the groundwork for the upcoming talks. Despite these uncertainties, the decision to ease visa procedures reflects Pakistan’s intent to play a proactive role in advancing diplomacy. By removing logistical barriers, Islamabad is seeking to ensure that the focus remains on substantive discussions rather than procedural hurdles. As delegations begin arriving, expectations remain cautious but hopeful. The outcome of the Islamabad talks could determine whether the current ceasefire evolves into a broader peace process or remains a temporary pause in a volatile conflict.
Pakistan Passport Rises Again: 32 Countries Now Visa-Free in Feb 2026
Pakistani travellers have reason to celebrate as their passport gained more travel freedom in early 2026, unlocking easier access to 32 international destinations without a pre-departure visa. According to the latest report by Gulf News, the Henley Passport Index for February 2026 shows that the Pakistani passport rose to 97th place globally, up from 98th in January and significantly higher than its ranking last year. This improvement reflects steady diplomatic efforts and new visa agreements boosting global mobility for Pakistani citizens. The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on how many destinations their holders can enter visa-free, with visa-on-arrival (VOA), or via an electronic travel authorisation (eTA). Pakistan’s passport now allows citizens to visit a total of 32 countries using these travel options, up from 31 previously after the reinstatement of The Gambia on the list. Which Countries Can Pakistanis Visit Without a Visa? Pakistani passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 11 countries, including popular destinations in the Caribbean and the Pacific: Barbados Cook Islands Dominica Haiti Micronesia Montserrat Rwanda St. Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago Vanuatu The Gambia In addition, travellers can secure visas upon arrival in 18 nations, spanning Southeast Asia, Africa, and island nations such as Cambodia, Nepal, and Palau Islands. eTA options are available for three additional destinations: Kenya, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka, offering added flexibility for planning travel. These destinations offer diverse opportunities, from tropical beaches and cultural tours to wildlife safaris and historic cities. For example, Maldives and Nepal provide scenic breaks close to home, while Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados are attractive for longer leisure trips. The visa ease also supports business visits and short-term cultural exchanges, helping Pakistanis broaden their international experiences. Passport Strength and What It Means Despite the improvement, experts note that the Pakistani passport remains in the lower half of global rankings in terms of travel freedom. Passports from countries in Europe and East Asia offer significantly broader access, with some, like Singapore, enabling entry to more than 190 destinations without a visa. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed the rise in ranking, saying the government views the improvement as “a strong achievement” and expects further gains as diplomatic ties grow stronger. For now, the added visa-free and VOA destinations make international travel more accessible and affordable for many Pakistanis. Whether for holidays, business travel, or cultural trips abroad, these changes open new doors for exploration and global engagement.