Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi meets US Ambassador to Pakistan Natalie Baker in Islamabad on Saturday. SCREEN CAPTURE
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and the United States on Saturday decided to launch joint operations under comprehensive SOPs against networks involved in fake and fraudulent visa activities.
The decision was made during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest and strengthening bilateral relations.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, the two officials held detailed discussions on how to improve collaboration, particularly to curb illegal immigration and improve the effectiveness of the immigration pre-clearance system.
Both sides also agreed to increase cooperation at all levels in the training of law enforcement agencies, especially the police.
The Minister of the Interior reiterated that the Government has adopted a “zero tolerance policy” towards mafias and those who facilitate illegal migration. He welcomed the support of the United States in this regard.
“I am personally supervising action against fake visa networks,” Naqvi said, adding that Pakistan’s passport has become foolproof thanks to modern technology.
Calling illegal immigration a serious problem, he noted that the government’s strong crackdown on those trying to reach the United States illegally is ongoing.
Naqvi stated that effective government measures have resulted in a 47 percent reduction in illegal immigration.
He emphasized that people involved in producing or facilitating false documentation do not deserve leniency.
The US envoy reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to its relationship with Pakistan.
“We attach special importance to our ties with Pakistan,” he said. “Our priorities are aligned and expanding mutual cooperation will further strengthen our relationship.”
