ISLAMABAD, Nov. 6, 2009 (Xinhua News Agency) -- The U.S. consulate has issued the first visa to a Pakistani businessman after a gap of 13 years from south Pakistan's Karachi after the resumption of visa section, the official APP news agency reported Friday.
The last visa was issued in 1995. On Thursday, U.S. Consul General Stephen G Fakan held a reception for leading businessmen at his residence to mark the re-opening of visa section and issue of visa from Karachi.
In his brief remarks on the occasion, the U.S. Consul General said that re-opening of visa section was the 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 that one visa has been issued out of the Consulate in Karachi on Thursday after 13 years. He said that it was important for business community and added that visas for other segments will also begin in summer when the new compound of under-construction U.S. consulate will be opened.
Fakan noted that it takes lots of time and efforts for applying for visas in Islamabad and businessmen have to take away valuable time from their companies.
He suggested businessmen to apply with American Express (NYSE:AXP) Karachi for visas to get early response.
Speaking on the occasion, Pakistani businessmen termed it a great day for Karachi and said that it means that U.S. still has its interest in Pakistan.
