Islamabad: In a comprehensive session, the Federal Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a new online visa application system to streamline entry for tourists and business visitors from 126 countries and passed a strong resolution condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza, demanding a trial for alleged war crimes.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the new visa system, which promises a 24-hour turnaround, includes a fee waiver for applicants from the designated countries and introduces a visa-on-arrival sub-category for Sikh yatrees holding third-country passports. The system will be monitored via a new dashboard at the Ministry of Interior to ensure efficient processing.

In the same meeting, the cabinet addressed international and domestic legal reforms, approving the establishment of special and banking courts across various cities under the oversight of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. Additionally, Memoranda of Understanding with Denmark were authorized to foster cooperation in logistics, sustainable growth, and renewable energy, among other sectors.

The session also saw the cabinet express solidarity with Palestine, strongly condemning the recent attack on the Pakistani consulate in Frankfurt and the desecration of the national flag. The resolution on Palestine called for international sanctions against Israel, highlighted the casualties from recent conflicts, and criticized the impact on civilians and infrastructure in Gaza. The cabinet emphasized the need for a unified Islamic strategy on the issue and reiterated support for a two-state solution, envisioning a Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.