Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has ordered the immediate removal of Pakistan from all restrictive lists, a move set to ease visa acquisition for Pakistani nationals, following a pivotal meeting with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
The directive was issued after Minister Naqvi informed the Sri Lankan head of state about the difficulties Pakistanis encounter when applying for visas. The President took immediate notice of the concern during the discussions.
President Dissanayake met with a delegation that included the Interior Minister and Pakistan”s Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Chaudhry Salik Hussain. In a social media post following the engagement, the Sri Lankan leader noted that the meeting reaffirmed the enduring friendship between the two nations.
During the dialogue, President Dissanayake lauded Pakistan for its support to his country during challenging periods and reiterated his commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations.
In a significant diplomatic development, it was also announced that Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister would soon undertake an official visit to Pakistan. Interior Minister Naqvi conveyed a reciprocal invitation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for President Dissanayake to visit Pakistan.
Discussions also covered strategic cooperation, with detailed talks on matters concerning counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics efforts, and the joint training of security forces.
The Sri Lankan President expressed special gratitude for Pakistan’s “spirit of goodwill” in playing a T20 World Cup match against India in Colombo. In return, Mr Naqvi thanked his hosts for the excellent arrangements and hospitality extended to the Pakistani delegation.