SIALKOT, Aug 5: The British High Commission has introduced a special seven-day visa service scheme for the business community of Pakistan.

This was stated by UK visa section director in Islamabad Mrs Alex Pond at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) here on Thursday after visiting various leading industrial units in the district amid tight security.

She said the visas would be granted to the businessmen within seven days on the recommendations of the chamber. Visas would also be granted to those whose exports exceeded Rs10 million, she added.

Mrs Pond said the step was taken to help small Pakistani exporters to explore the UK market. She was all praise for the quality of goods made in the district. SCCI president Tahir Majid Kapur hailed the initiative of the British High Commission for the benefit of exporters.

He said Pakistan earned 400 million through exports to the UK in a year. Mr Kapur said most developing countries were importing surgical instruments from Sialkot for re-export under their own brand names. He said Pakistan was competing with other countries in leather, textile and sportswear in quality and style.

RAIN: Sialkot and Narowal districts on Thursday received heavy rain, making the hot and humid weather pleasant. Most of the roads, streets and low-lying areas in the two districts were under two to three feet rainwater.