Pakistan’s ‘Brother’ Turkey Turns Its Back – Islamic Brotherhood Stuck at the Visa Gate

International News: Whenever the word 'brotherhood' resonates in Pakistan's foreign policy, Turkey’s name features prominently in discussions. The smiles of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, warmth on shared platforms, and gifts of drone technology are the external pictures of this relationship. But if this relationship is seen from the eyes of a common citizen, then this 'brotherhood' seems to be limited only to the language of leaders. Turkey still does not provide visa-free entry to the common citizens of Pakistan.

No easy visa, only e-visa facility

Pakistani citizens go through the visa process to travel to Turkey. Although Turkey provides the facility of e-visa, it is also limited. An ordinary Pakistani is allowed to stay in Turkey only for 30 days through an e-visa. A valid passport, email ID, and debit/credit card are required for this. Not only this, the validity of the passport should be at least six months from the date of travel.

Exemption to those with special passports, but ordinary citizens still out

The Turkish government gives visa-free entry only to those Pakistani citizens who have diplomatic or official passports. Such people are allowed to stay in Turkey for a maximum of 90 days. Apart from this, those who have a residence permit from a third country can also get some exemption. But for a common Pakistani citizen, it is still a closed door.

Azerbaijan is also a 'brother' but strict on visas

Another close ally of Pakistan, Azerbaijan, also follows a policy similar to Turkey. It openly supported Pakistan during the Indo-Pak tension but does not give visa-free entry to Pakistani citizens. Indian tourists also ran a 'Boycott Azerbaijan' campaign on social media in protest against this, which caused considerable damage to its image.

Only 9 countries in the world open the doors

According to the Global Passport Index, Pakistan's passport is counted among the weakest passports in the world. There are only 9 countries where Pakistani citizens can travel without a visa, like Haiti, Micronesia, Niue, Madagascar, etc. Whereas there are four countries, like India, Israel, Libya, and Sudan, that do not even allow Pakistani citizens to enter.

Warmth of leaders vs. reality of public

Shahbaz Sharif's Turkey visit, thanks to Erdogan and smiles on the stage—all these are nothing more than political show. Neither Turkey nor Azerbaijan is open for the common Pakistani. The question arises whether this friendship is limited to just taking photos or will the doors of the public also ever open?