Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal here informed the National Assembly that the government had not made any change in security policy. Responding to a point of order raised by the PTI lawmaker Shireen Mehrunnisa Mazari, the minister said that no ease had been made in security policy nor any change had been made in it. He said that security policy had been made keeping in view the interest of the country. He said that no new visa policy had been introduced in the country but the already existing visa policy had been made more transparent. The minister said that visa had been issued to visitors only through registered tour operators. He said all the tour operators had the policy guidelines. The Minister pointed out that Pakistan has recently been declared an emerging tourist destination and the visa policy is aimed at promoting tourism. He assured the House that under this policy, no black water and other elements threatening the security would be allowed to enter in the country. Civil Aviation Autority had announced to grant on-arrival visas for tourists from 24 countries in bid to promote tourism industry in Pakistan. According to report tourists belonging to United States, United Kingdom, neighbouring China, Thailand, Sweden, Germany, France, Italy and Japan among 24 countries would be issued on-arrival 30-day visas in form of groups, if the tour is organised through designated operators in Pakistan. Ahsan Iqbal said that international Non Government Organizations will be facilitated to work for the development of the country. He had earlier allowed banned international NGOs to work until final decision. He said that the NGOs working against the interest of the country would not be allowed to operate. He said that NGOs asked to stop their operation, can appeal within 90 days about government’s decision. However he said if the decision come against the NGOs within 90 days following their appeals, the NGOs had to stop its working. Former Interior Minister Ch Nisar Khan said that visa policy had been devised keeping in view the interest of the country. He said that INGOs are working under the federal government while NGOs are operating udder provincial government domain. He said that the federal government intervened if any NGOs violated their mandate. He added that this was an important security issue and needs deliberation before any change. He added that in past these facilities were closed due to misuse. Although Minister for Interior has clarified in National Assembly’s session that polices regarding visa on arrival and INGOs has not been changed but matter still needs clarity. The reservations raised by Former Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar should be given serious consideration. In the past foreign spies and security contractors had entered in the country in the guise of tourists and businessmen and rendered great loss. The policy should be framed after thorough deliberations with the consultations of all stakeholders.
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