Karachi: US consulate resumes visa service

[Naveed Yaseen]

KARACHI: The US Consulate has issued first visa to a Pakistani businessman after a gap of 13 years from Karachi with the reopening of visa section here on Thursday. The last visa was issued in 1995.

On this occasion, US Consul General Stephen G Fakan held a reception for leading businessmen at his residence to mark the reopening of visa section and issuance of visa from Karachi.

In his brief remarks, the US Consul General said reopening of the visa section was an indication that the United States was here to stay as a partner, friend and an ally of Pakistan.

Terming it as a big moment, he said after 13 years one visa has been issued out of the Consulate in Karachi on Thursday.

He said it was important for the business community, adding that visas for other segments will also begin in summer when the new compound of under-construction US Consulate opens. Fakan noted that it takes a lot of time and efforts to apply for visas in Islamabad and businessmen have to take away valuable time from their companies. He suggested businessmen to apply with American Express Karachi for visas to get an early response. The businessmen termed it a great day for Karachi and said it means the US still has its interest in Pakistan.

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