PM Shaukat orders liberalization of visa regime for pilgrims, better residential facilities at sacred places
25 February, 2006
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| PM Shaukat orders liberalization of visa regime for pilgrims, better residential facilities at sacred places. |
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ISLAMABAD, February 25 (Online): PM Shaukat Aziz has said that Pakistan has not so far leveraged its religious tourism potential and ordered liberalization of visa regime for pilgrims, an integrated one window clearance operation and better physical facilities at the entry points, focused approach for ease of their movement and better residential facilities at the sacred places of Hindus, Sikh and Buddhists.
Chairing a meeting at the Prime Minister House here on Friday, the Prime Minister set up two committees; Under Secretary Ministry of Tourism and Chairman, Central Board of Revenue (CBR).
The committee Under Secretary Tourism will take steps to upgrade the facilities at Buddhist sites, prepare package tours and also popularize these sites in various countries, which has Budhist concentrations.
The Committee under Chairman, CBR will have representation from immigration, railways and security agencies and will identify the steps to simplify the procedures at the entry points through an integrated point. They will also come up with recommendations to improve the physical facilities there.
"A complex will be built at the Wagah border to complete all formalities in an appropriate manner. Evacuee Trust Board will take steps to improve residential and physical facilities at the religious places of Sikhs and Hindus," committee decided.
Federal Minster for Religious Affairs Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq was present on the occasion.
Later on, talking to Admiral Daya Sandagiri, Chief of Defence Staff Sri Lankan Armed Forces who called on him along with the delegation, the prime Minster has said Pakistan is a peace loving country, has no aggressive designs against anyone and its defense strategy is based on maintaining a minimum credible defense as only a balance of power can ensure peace and stability in the region.
He stressed to energise SARRC to play amore effective role in bringing peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
He lauded armed forces for playing a vital role in guarding the frontiers and ensuring sovereignty of the country.
Admiral Daya Sandagiri thanked Pakistan providing professional training to its armed forces personnel. He concluded by lauding Pakistan ties with Srilanka.
Subsequently, Prime Minister condemned in the strongest terms the loss of valuable lives and desecration of holy places in Iraq yesterday.
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