Pakistan and Italy Abolish Diplomatic Visa Requirement in Agreement

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – Pakistan and Italy have signed an agreement to abolish visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports, marking a step forward in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

The accord was signed in Rome by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Italy Ali Javed and Italy’s Foreign Affairs Secretary General Riccardo Guariglia during a ceremony held at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Before the signing, both diplomats held detailed discussions reviewing the full scope of Pakistan–Italy relations, including cooperation at multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the European Union. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the growing momentum and depth of their strategic engagement.

Officials described the new agreement as a symbol of mutual trust and friendship, aimed at facilitating smoother movement of diplomatic delegations and improving coordination between the two countries.

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Pakistan and Italy already maintain a broad framework of cooperation, with around 15 government-to-government agreements covering areas such as tourism, culture, science and technology, sports, defence education, and counter-narcotics efforts.

Key milestones in bilateral relations include a Defence Cooperation agreement signed in 2009, a Strategic Engagement Plan launched in 2013, and the Joint Economic Commission established in 2005. Earlier agreements include the Investment Protection Treaty of 1997, a Dual Citizenship arrangement from 1983, and an Extradition Treaty dating back to 1972.

More recently, in May 2025, both countries signed a labour mobility and migration memorandum in Islamabad, opening opportunities for thousands of Pakistani workers in Italy under a structured employment framework.

During the meeting, Ambassador Ali Javed also invited Italian officials to participate in the upcoming round of bilateral political consultations in Pakistan, scheduled for the last quarter of 2026, and expressed interest in further strengthening institutional cooperation.