Beijing: In a diplomatic set back to Pakistan, Hong Kong has withdrawn the two-week visa-free status enjoyed by the Pakistani visitors to the Chinese territory from March 30.

Citing the war on Iraq, the Hong Kong government said nationals of Eritrea and Pakistan, who were enjoying a 14-day visa-free visit to Hong Kong, will now require a visa to visit or transit in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong, a British colony till July 1997, is now a special administrative region (SAR) of China, which regards Pakistan as an "all weather" friend.

Incidentally, Chinese leaders have also repeatedly praised Pakistan's role as a "frontline state" in the international war against terrorism.

The immigration department of Hong Kong said it has also increased its scrutiny of visa applications from nationals of Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Sudan and Syria till further notice.

At present, nationals of some 170 countries and territories can visit Hong Kong without a visa and stay for a duration ranging between seven and 180 days.

The immigration department regularly reviews its visa policies and takes into account factors such as the social, economic and political situations of countries and territories concerned, an immigration department spokesman said.

PTI