In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Sri Lanka has immediately removed Pakistan from all negative visa lists following high-level talks in Colombo.
The development came during a key meeting between Federal Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The move is being seen as a significant step toward easing travel concerns for Pakistanis and strengthening bilateral relations.
During the meeting, Mohsin Naqvi raised the issue of visa problems being faced by Pakistani citizens. Taking prompt notice, the Sri Lankan president ordered the immediate removal of Pakistan from all negative lists.
Sri Lanka has now officially cleared Pakistan from all negative visa categories, providing relief to Pakistani travelers and business communities.
Met with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain today. We reaffirmed our enduring friendship, appreciated Pakistan’s support to Sri Lanka during difficult times. The visiting Pakistan delegation conveyed special thanks from… pic.twitter.com/v2wcIvlzJZ
— Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) February 16, 2026
Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Maj Gen (retd) Fahimul Aziz were also present during the meeting.
Stronger bilateral relations
President Dissanayake reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He also announced that the Sri Lankan prime minister will visit Pakistan very soon, signaling continued high-level engagement.
Naqvi appreciated the Sri Lankan president’s proactive role in promoting Pak-Sri Lanka ties and enhancing cooperation across sectors.
Cricket diplomacy, goodwill gesture
The Sri Lankan president expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for Pakistan’s decision to play a cricket match against India in Colombo. He appreciated the spirit of goodwill behind the move.
Naqvi, who also serves as the PCB chairman, thanked Sri Lanka for the excellent arrangements for the T20 World Cup and the warm hosting of the Pakistani delegation.
On behalf of Prime Minister Sharif, Naqvi extended a formal invitation to the Sri Lankan president to visit Pakistan.
Security cooperation
The meeting also featured detailed discussions on counter-terrorism cooperation, counter-narcotics efforts, and joint training of security forces.
Both sides emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling regional security challenges and strengthening institutional ties between their respective forces.
The talks in Colombo mark a significant step forward in diplomatic, security, and sporting cooperation between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
