Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said individuals involved in passport forgery and document tampering can now be arrested in Pakistan in collaboration with Saudi Arabia.
During his visit to the Saudi Passport Directorate in Riyadh, Mohsin Naqvi met the Acting Director General, Major General Dr. By Saleh Al-Marabba.
The discussion focused on streamlining the process of issuing passports and introducing effective measures to prevent forgery. The Minister reviewed the advanced technology used by the Directorate and appreciated its modern passport system.
Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s support could greatly improve and secure Pakistan’s passport system. This cooperation will benefit the public and eliminate fraudulent practices. He also announced plans to set up a call center in Pakistan similar to the one run by the Saudi passport directorate.
Earlier, Saudi authorities detained 3,700 Pakistanis traveling with forged documents and altered passports at airports.
Mohsin Naqvi also visited King Fahd Security College where he was welcomed by its Director General, Major General Dr. Ali Al-Daey. The minister lauded the academy’s five-year strategic plan and appreciated the efforts of the director general, Express News reported.
He invited Master’s degree graduates of King Fahd Security College on study tours to Pakistan as part of an exchange program and designed short-term training courses at the college for Pakistani graduates. Mohsin Naqvi noted that the university’s advanced approach to security reflects the innovative vision of the Saudi leadership.
A few months ago, the Ministry of Hajj in Saudi Arabia formally requested Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs to address the growing problem of Pakistani beggars in the kingdom. Saudi authorities have expressed concern that the unchecked activities of Pakistani beggars, especially those on Umrah visas, could have a negative impact on Umrah pilgrims and Hajj visitors.
Last month, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) detained ten people at the Karachi airport on Saturday and accused them of planning to travel to Saudi Arabia for begging under the guise of performing Umrah. The group included seven women as well as an agent suspected of organizing the trip, the FIA said in a statement.
The FIA reported that those detained without knowledge of Umrah rituals and necessary accommodation reservations were unable to provide relevant documents and had no funds for travel expenses.
Earlier, FIA NCB Interpol arrested a fugitive wanted in a robbery case from Saudi Arabia and took him to Islamabad airport.
According to an FIA spokesperson, the suspect, identified as Sanaullah, was wanted by the Punjab Police.
In 2021, he was charged with robbery at the Saddar Jampur police station in Rajanpur. The suspect fled abroad after committing serious crimes.
Riyadh offers support to Pak’s anti-narcotics efforts
Saudi Arabia offered advanced drug detection equipment to Pakistan on Monday as both sides pledged to strengthen bilateral cooperation against the global narcotics problem, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said.
Naqvi, who also oversees narcotics control, visited Saudi Arabia’s anti-narcotics headquarters and discussed strengthening cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking with director general Major General Muhammad Al-Qarni.
“No country can tackle the drug menace alone; it has become a shared global challenge. Pakistan will continue to work with Saudi Arabia to create a drug-free environment for future generations,” Naqvi said, stressing the need for joint efforts.
