Islamabad, Pakistan – Web Desk: Pakistan and Croatia have agreed to accelerate the opening of a Croatian visa processing center in Islamabad, a move that will eliminate the need for Pakistani applicants to travel to third countries for visa services. The announcement came during a joint press conference following delegation-level talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on Thursday.
The visa facilitation initiative marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations, with both nations expressing commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, information technology, agriculture, tourism, and skilled labor mobility. Dar emphasized that the facility would provide “welcome relief” to Pakistani applicants seeking Croatian visas.
During the talks, Pakistan also signaled its intention to seek re-entry into the European Union’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework ahead of new regulations taking effect in January 2027. Both sides agreed to continue developing legal pathways for skilled Pakistani workers while jointly combating human smuggling and irregular migration.
The Croatian minister praised Pakistan’s active role at the United Nations Security Council and its diplomatic efforts that led to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran. Radman also extended an invitation to Dar to attend next year’s Dubrovnik Forum.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a separate meeting with Radman, expressed Pakistan’s desire to enhance cooperation in connectivity, infrastructure, and defense sectors. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes under the UN Charter.
