The US visa duration applicable for Pakistani nationals has been reduced to three months directly from a five-year visa duration, according to the US embassy in Islamabad.
According to ANI news reports, the new visa policy will also be applicable for the Pakistani journalists, apart from civilians. The United States government had also increased the visa application fees for Pakistani nationals up to USD 192 from USD 160.
The development, which was announced on Tuesday has come after Islamabad took reciprocal steps into modifying visa policies for the American citizens as well as reduction of visa time-period and fees increment for applying for the documents, US embassy spokesperson said.
However, the insurance of visas to the Pakistan government officials will be developed in accordance with their working period by the American administration, the spokesperson added.
Last year, Islamabad foreign minister announced travel restrictions over US diplomats in a retaliation move, after Washington had imposed such similar restrictions over Pakistani diplomats, amid an icy tie between the US and Pakistan.
The American government has stated Pakistani diplomats in its embassy in Washington DC and consulates will be restricted to travel over 40 km from any of their posts without any prior permission, ARY News reported.
The US had repeatedly told Pakistan that it must take strict and effective steps towards terrorism, providing no support and safe haven to terror outfits operating from Pakistani soil.
Washington has also halted millions worth financial aid to cash-strapped Pakistan for not taking strong actions towards handling terrorism.
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