Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says the government has approved visa free entry of businessmen from Gulf countries to promote foreign investment, business activities and tourism in the country.

In a statement, he said online visas will be issued within 24 hours to the businessmen, investors and tourists of 126 countries.

He said businessmen and tourists of these 126 countries will be exempted from visa fee.

He added that a sub-category to visa on arrival facility has been approved for Sikh Yatrees, holding a passport of a third country to promote religious tourism.

Shehbaz Sharif further said E-system of electronic gates is being enforced at Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore airports. 

He said relaxation in visa policy will contribute to economic stability and enhanced foreign exchange reserves.