Pakistan, Croatia agree to speed up visa facility in Islamabad

Pakistan and Croatia have agreed to speed up the establishment of a Croatian visa processing facility in Islamabad to make the visa process easier for Pakistani citizens.

Pakistan and Croatia have agreed to speed up the establishment of a Croatian visa processing facility in Islamabad to make the visa process easier for Pakistani citizens.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the development after meeting Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman in Islamabad.

Dar said both countries are working to open the facility as soon as possible. He added that the move would provide relief to Pakistani applicants who currently have to travel to other countries for visa processing.

The two sides discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, information technology, agriculture, tourism, education, defence, and connectivity.

Dar said Pakistan is preparing to seek re-entry into the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework before new rules come into effect in 2027.

He said Pakistan and Croatia also agreed to promote legal opportunities for skilled Pakistani workers while working together to control illegal migration and human smuggling.

During the talks, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the United Nations Charter, peaceful conflict resolution, and international cooperation.

Dar briefed the Croatian delegation on regional matters, including developments in Jammu and Kashmir, Gaza, Afghanistan, and the Indus Waters Treaty. He also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic role in efforts related to the US-Iran understanding.

Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman praised Pakistan’s role at the United Nations Security Council and appreciated its efforts for regional stability.

Radman said Croatia wants to strengthen economic and diplomatic relations with Pakistan. He identified pharmaceuticals, healthcare, defence, technology, tourism, and food production as areas with strong potential for cooperation.

He welcomed Pakistan’s efforts to establish the visa facility in Islamabad, saying it would improve people-to-people links between the two countries.

Later, Radman met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, IT, tourism, and skilled manpower.

Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed Pakistan’s desire to further expand relations with Croatia and invited Croatian leadership to visit Pakistan.

The Croatian minister thanked Pakistan for the warm welcome and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.