Pakistan and Italy Sign Agreement to Waive Visa Requirement for Diplomatic Passport Holders
Pakistan and Italy have taken another important step toward strengthening their diplomatic relations by signing a new agreement that removes visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports. The agreement was formally signed during a ceremony held at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome.
The accord was signed by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Italy, Ali Javed, and Italy’s Secretary General for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Riccardo Guariglia. The development reflects the growing trust, friendship, and strategic partnership between the two countries.
Before the signing ceremony, both diplomats held detailed one-on-one discussions in which they reviewed the overall state of bilateral relations. Their talks covered cooperation in political, economic, cultural, and diplomatic areas, as well as collaboration on international platforms such as the United Nations and the European Union.
During the meeting, Pakistan and Italy expressed satisfaction over the steady progress and increasing depth of their partnership. Officials from both countries described their cooperation as growing stronger in both “substance and intensity,” highlighting the positive direction of ties between Islamabad and Rome.
According to officials, the newly signed agreement will make it easier for diplomatic officials from both countries to travel without visa restrictions. This is expected to improve official exchanges, facilitate high-level visits, and encourage closer coordination between the governments.
The agreement was also described as an important addition to the already existing framework of cooperation between Pakistan and Italy. Over the years, the two nations have signed 15 government-to-government agreements in several important sectors. These include tourism, culture, science and technology, sports, higher defence studies, and anti-narcotics cooperation.
Among the most significant agreements between the two countries is the Defence Cooperation Accord signed in 2009, which strengthened military and security collaboration. In 2013, the foreign ministers of both nations established a Strategic Engagement Plan aimed at improving political dialogue and cooperation. Another major platform is the Joint Economic Commission, established in 2005 to expand trade and economic ties.
Earlier agreements also continue to play an important role in bilateral relations. These include the Investment Protection Treaty signed in 1997, the Dual Citizenship Agreement of 1983, and the Extradition Treaty of 1972, all of which laid the foundation for long-term cooperation between the two states.
In recent years, labour and migration have emerged as another major area of collaboration. On May 7, 2025, Pakistan and Italy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Labour Mobility and Migration in Islamabad. This was Pakistan’s first labour agreement with any European country. Under this arrangement, Pakistani workers became eligible for 10,500 country-specific job opportunities in Italy, opening new employment pathways for skilled and semi-skilled workers.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Ali Javed also extended an official invitation to Ambassador Riccardo Guariglia on behalf of Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary to visit Pakistan for the 7th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations. He expressed Pakistan’s readiness to host the talks during the last quarter of 2026.
The Pakistani ambassador further conveyed enthusiasm about inaugurating the newly constructed Italian Embassy building in Islamabad, which is expected to symbolize the strengthening diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
The latest visa-free agreement for diplomatic passport holders is being viewed as another milestone in Pakistan-Italy relations and a sign of expanding cooperation in diplomacy, trade, migration, and international affairs.