Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Qatar has decided to temporarily halt the visa-on-arrival service for Pakistani citizens, as reported by Khaleejtimes, citing sources from the Embassy of Pakistan.
The embassy advised Pakistani nationals planning to travel to Qatar that the visa-on-arrival option is currently unavailable due to the existing circumstances. They emphasized the necessity for all Pakistani travelers to Qatar to secure the appropriate visas in advance to prevent any inconvenience, according to a statement accessed by Khaleejtimes.
Furthermore, the embassy underscored the importance of Pakistani citizens ensuring they have the required visas before embarking on their journey to Qatar. Additionally, in a separate advisory, they urged those traveling to Qatar to verify all essential details and visa prerequisites through official channels before finalizing their travel arrangements.
In a diplomatic move during the ongoing conflict in Iran, Pakistan positioned itself as a mediator, offering to help resolve the crisis. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan’s willingness to facilitate meaningful discussions between the US and Iran and offered to host negotiations for a comprehensive settlement with the consent of both parties.
Reports indicated that Pakistan, along with Egypt and Turkiye, was engaging in behind-the-scenes efforts to mediate peace talks. Sharif also engaged in discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing concerns over the escalating tensions and advocating for de-escalation.
Additionally, Washington transmitted a 15-point peace proposal through Islamabad to Tehran as part of the peace process. The embassy reiterated its commitment to supporting Pakistani nationals and stressed the importance of consulting relevant Qatari authorities or authorized visa centers to ensure compliance with the current entry regulations.