ISLAMABAD:
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday provided a significant update on the ongoing visa concerns affecting Pakistani travelers, particularly those seeking entry to Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Speaking to reporters during a media interaction, Naqvi acknowledged the recent uptick in visa rejections and said the government is actively engaged in high-level talks to address the issue. He revealed that formal discussions with the UAE’s Interior Minister are on the agenda and expected to take place soon.
“This is a serious matter, and we’re treating it as a top priority,” Naqvi said. “We’re in contact with UAE officials, and I’m hopeful that we’ll see positive developments in the coming days.”
The interior minister made it clear that the diplomatic efforts are not limited to the UAE alone. Similar talks, he noted, are underway with authorities in Kuwait and Oman to ease visa restrictions and ensure smoother travel for Pakistani citizens across the Gulf region.
Beyond immediate visa concerns, Naqvi outlined broader plans aimed at elevating Pakistan’s international mobility status. “We’re working on improving the global standing of the Pakistani passport,” he said. “The goal is to rebuild international confidence and expand travel access for our people.”
On the domestic front, the minister also spoke about a number of internal security and governance reforms. He highlighted the upcoming launch of the Safe City project in Karachi, which aims to combat crime through a robust network of surveillance systems and digital monitoring.
“Security is not just about borders, it’s also about our cities and coasts,” Naqvi added. He confirmed that coastal surveillance has been stepped up with the addition of new patrol boats to guard Pakistan’s 1,002-kilometer shoreline.
Another key initiative he unveiled involves linking criminal records with NADRA’s national identity database. This, he said, would enable law enforcement agencies to act more swiftly and effectively in tracking down suspects and verifying backgrounds.
In closing, the interior minister struck an optimistic tone, noting that previously neglected issues like long-term water planning are now receiving the attention they deserve. “Reform takes time, but we are moving in the right direction,” he said.
