President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reportedly instructed relevant authorities to immediately remove Pakistan from all “negative” visa lists following discussions with Pakistan’s Federal Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The directive was issued during a meeting between President Dissanayake, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Pakistan’s Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Chaudhry Salik Hussain.
During the talks, Naqvi raised concerns over difficulties faced by Pakistani nationals in obtaining Sri Lankan visas. In response, the President directed officials to remove Pakistan from restrictive visa categories, a move expected to facilitate travel for tourists, businesspersons and other visitors, while further strengthening bilateral relations.
President Dissanayake acknowledged Pakistan’s support to Sri Lanka during challenging periods and reaffirmed his commitment to deepening ties between the two countries. He also announced that Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister is expected to undertake an official visit to Pakistan in the near future.
The discussions also covered cooperation in counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics operations and joint training of security forces. The President expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s decision to play a T20 World Cup match against India in Colombo, describing it as a gesture of goodwill.
Minister Naqvi conveyed appreciation for Sri Lanka’s efforts to enhance bilateral relations and extended an invitation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for President Dissanayake to visit Pakistan. He also thanked the Sri Lankan government for the hospitality extended to the Pakistani delegation during the cricket event.
In a message posted on his official X account, President Dissanayake said he met with Naqvi and Salik Hussain and that both sides reaffirmed their longstanding friendship, expressing gratitude for Pakistan’s continued support to Sri Lanka during difficult times.