Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday assured Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Malki that Islamabad is implementing new passport regulations aimed at countering growing illegal migration and begging rings abroad.
In a meeting at the Saudi Embassy, Naqvi noted that Pakistani beggar gangs operating in Saudi Arabia are tarnishing the country’s image abroad. He said a crackdown to dismantle these organized networks has already begun, stressing Pakistan is committed to fighting transnational crime with a particular focus on drug trafficking and human smuggling. He said Pakistan was eager to work with Saudi Arabia to jointly address these challenges.
Emphasizing the strong, brotherly ties between Islamabad and Riyadh, the minister noted that Saudi nationals can travel to Pakistan visa-free. “Saudi nationals are free to travel to Pakistan any time they want and without any restriction,” he said.
During the meeting, both sides emphasized their shared dedication to enhancing bilateral cooperation in crucial areas such as security, economic development, and social welfare.
Naqvi also thanked Saudi Arabia for its continued support of Pakistan’s economic stability and social development, as well as its crucial role in the recent Pak-Gulf Cooperation Council Anti-Narcotics conference. He particularly thanked the Gulf kingdom for its role in securing the safe release and return of five Pakistanis wrongfully implicated in a drug case.
“It was due to Saudi Arabia’s intervention that the innocent family was able to return home safely,” he said.