WARNING!!!! No more visa on arrival in Sost, Pakistan

Thanks for sharing the latest info regarding visa on arrival policy at Sost although it is very bad news for tourism in Pakistan since it was the easiest place to get the visa after the Pakistani visa policy was stricken.

Thanks for the news.

There seems to be no change in the rules for getting Pak visa in Canberra for Oz citizens- always one of the easiest places to get visa from!

I have been in communication with senior officials at the Ministry of Interior. They say they're make the visa policy rigid because of "reciprocal basis", meaning, whichever country is strict with Pakistanis, Pakistan will also be strict with them in issuing visa and also charge fee accordingly.

I think nothing wrong with this policy, because all over world there is a really silly perception in people's minds that Pakistanis are terrorists. They just use it as an excuse to discriminate. It's really hurting and ironic, because Pakistan (and poor Pakistanis) paid the most heavy price in terms of economy and lives, to help the rich western nations "invent" this new enemy and new war called terrorists/war on terror, weapon's of mass destruction, etc.for their quest for natural resources and various other reasons.

The problem is that while other countries have qualified competent people in bureaucracy and departments, in Pakistan, they make the policy at the top level but don't know how to properly implement it. It takes work and effort to make things work in correct direction, and no one's ready to "own" that work, they just want to take incentives, salaries, facilities, etc.

Another reason can be that, as in all other fields in Pakistan, the government and the powers that be helps certain groups/companies by making policies difficult, thereby forcing people to take the services of these chosen few. They may be in the shape of tour operators, or visa officials, consular sections in missions abroad, etc.

Of course overall Pakistan loses. Because most tourists will chose to go to other tourist friendly countries. Only the few that have to come at all costs will take these services at whatever the price. But who in Pakistan has ever cared for Pakistan! Ever since the creation of Pakistan tremendous effort has been put into creation of elites, in one way or other.

I think, things are going in wrong direction. Any way thanks for the info.

Pakistani citizens should know that such kind of "police state" policies are enforced mostly during the PPP government, past, present and future. Just keep that in mind next time you go to vote. Hopefully Imran Khan is coming soon, things will get better Inshallah.

yes, agree with the above - hopefully tensions with other nations following incidents like those in #8 will mean the visa policies will relax eventually but - in light of the last six months here, i'm surprised it took so long for them to put a stop on this.

I think these things have got nothing to do with PPP or Imran Khan. Unfortunately in Pakistan foreign policy is made by the eastablishment rather than by the parliment,.
After Abbotabad operation and Rymond Davis incident, an eye is kept on the movements and activities of all foreigners in Pakistan and they are seen with doubts. And that is why Pakistan has brought huge changes in the visa policy lately and this can be also the reason of finishing visa on arrival at Sost..