ExclusivePakistan to grant Hongkongers visa-free access soon, top envoy says
In exclusive interview with Post, ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi also suggests Hong Kong review decade-old travel alert for his country
Pakistan’s ambassador to China has revealed that visa-free access to his country for Hong Kong residents will “happen soon”, while also urging the city government to review its decade-old red travel alert for the South Asian nation.
Khalil Hashmi, speaking exclusively to the Post during his second visit to the city as ambassador to China, said his country hoped to boost business and tourism from Hong Kong with the visa-free access.
“It is just a matter of time. I think visa-free access for Hong Kong residents to Pakistan would happen both for investment and trade, but also for tourism purposes.” Hashmi said. “We want people from Hong Kong to come and see what Pakistan has to offer.”
When asked about the timeline for the arrangement, the envoy only said it would “happen soon”.
Hong Kong cancelled its visa-free access for Pakistani nationals in 2003, and Hashmi said his country’s move did not hinge on a reciprocal arrangement. But he said he hoped Pakistan’s step would encourage Hong Kong to follow suit “in time”.
Hashmi maintained the visa arrangement for Hong Kong residents would generate new business for Pakistan through investment and trade, as well as promote tourism.