Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced that Saudi Arabia will assist Pakistan in tackling passport forgery and document tampering, enabling authorities to apprehend those involved in these illegal activities within Pakistan.
During his visit to the Saudi Directorate of Passports in Riyadh, Naqvi met with Major General Dr. Saleh Al-Marabba, the Acting Director General of the Directorate. The discussions centered on improving the passport issuance process and introducing robust measures to prevent document forgery. Naqvi commended the advanced technology employed by the Saudi Directorate and its modern passport system.
Naqvi emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s cooperation would significantly strengthen Pakistan’s passport system, helping eliminate fraudulent practices and benefiting the public. He also announced plans to establish a call center in Pakistan modeled after the one operated by the Saudi Directorate of Passports.
In the past, Saudi authorities had detained 3,700 Pakistani nationals at airports for attempting to travel with forged documents or tampered passports.
Additionally, Naqvi visited the King Fahd Security College, where he was welcomed by the Director General, Major General Dr. Ali Al-Daej. The minister praised the college’s five-year strategic plan and its leadership’s efforts. He also invited graduates from King Fahd Security College to participate in study tours in Pakistan under an exchange program and proposed short-term training courses for Pakistani graduates at the college. Naqvi acknowledged the college’s advanced approach to security, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s innovative leadership.
In a separate matter, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj previously urged Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs to address the growing issue of Pakistani beggars in the Kingdom. Saudi authorities expressed concern that beggars, particularly those on Umrah visas, could negatively impact the experience of Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.
Last month, Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) detained ten individuals at Karachi Airport for attempting to travel to Saudi Arabia under the false pretense of performing Umrah, with plans to beg while there. The group, which included seven women, was found to have no knowledge of Umrah rituals and lacked proper documentation or funds for their trip.
On another note, the FIA’s NCB Interpol recently apprehended a fugitive wanted for a robbery case in Saudi Arabia. The suspect, identified as Sanaullah, had fled to Saudi Arabia after committing a robbery in Rajanpur, Punjab. The FIA transferred him to Islamabad Airport for further proceedings.
Saudi Arabia Supports Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Efforts
Saudi Arabia has also extended its support to Pakistan’s fight against drug trafficking by offering advanced drug detection equipment. This announcement was made during a visit by Minister Naqvi to the Saudi Anti-Narcotics Headquarters, where he met with Major General Muhammad Al-Qarni, the Director General of Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Narcotics Department.
Naqvi emphasized that the global challenge of drug trafficking cannot be tackled by any country alone and highlighted the importance of continued cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to create a drug-free environment for future generations. Both countries pledged to strengthen their partnership in combating the global narcotics crisis.
