ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Hungary on Thursday signed an agreement to end visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders. They also signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on cooperation in culture and archaeology.
Hungarian Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Péter Szijjarto arrived in Islamabad with a high-level delegation. The visit came at the invitation of Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The Hungarian delegation includes 17 businessmen exploring investment opportunities.
The visit marks 60 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Hungary and Pakistan have long cooperated in energy. Hungarian company MOL Group has invested in Pakistan’s oil and gas sector since the early 2000s.
“We are happy to sign the agreement lifting visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders,” Szijjártó said at a joint news conference. “We are also proud to sign agreements in culture and archaeology,” he added.
Szijjártó praised Pakistan’s fight against militancy. He said Hungary appreciated Pakistan’s efforts, which also helped ensure Europe’s security.
“Despite international efforts, terror threats still exist in the region, especially from Afghanistan,” he noted. “This also raises the risk of more illegal migration toward Europe.”
His remarks come as Pakistan faces rising militant attacks in provinces bordering Afghanistan. In response, Pakistan’s forces have launched intelligence-based operations. The government also accuses the Afghan administration of allowing cross-border attacks—an allegation Kabul denies.
Pakistan is currently deporting undocumented immigrants, mostly Afghan nationals. Over 900,000 Afghans have been expelled since November 2023 under the repatriation drive.
Foreign Minister Dar said the visa agreement and MoUs will “deepen government-to-government and people-to-people ties.”
The visit is part of Pakistan’s broader push to attract European investment. Islamabad has recently pursued trade, energy, tourism, livestock, mining, and mineral deals with Gulf and regional partners to boost sustainable growth.
