LONDON, July 15 (APP): Pakistan has clarified that overseas Pakistanis travelling on foreign passports will continue to enjoy visa-free entry if they possess a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (Nicop), while those holding an expired, invalid or cancelled Nicop must obtain a Pakistani visa before travelling.
A government spokesperson dismissed reports suggesting that all British passport holders with Nicop would be barred from entering Pakistan, describing such claims as incorrect and misleading.
The spokesperson said the revised travel instructions apply to passengers travelling from all countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, European nations and other destinations, who do not hold a valid Nicop.
Under the updated policy, any passenger travelling on a foreign passport with an expired, invalid or cancelled Nicop must secure a valid Pakistani visa before boarding a flight to Pakistan.
Airlines have been directed not to permit passengers to board unless they possess either a valid Pakistani visa, a valid Pakistani passport or a valid Nicop, in accordance with Pakistan’s entry requirements.
The spokesperson said there had been widespread confusion due to misinformation circulating on social media and other platforms, reiterating that overseas Pakistanis holding a valid Nicop can continue to travel to Pakistan on their foreign passports without any change to the existing visa-free arrangement.
To ensure smooth implementation of the revised instructions, airline station managers have been directed to brief their staff and properly inform passengers about the updated travel requirements before boarding.
The government advised overseas Pakistanis to ensure their Nicop remains valid before travelling to avoid inconvenience at airports and during check-in.
