ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Interior Minister Dr. Nasir bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood, who was accompanied by Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Malki. The meeting was marked by a spirit of mutual respect and shared goals, focusing on deepening the strong bond between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The two leaders discussed a variety of topics of shared interest, particularly the strengthening of bilateral relations. One key area was the potential exchange of paramilitary forces and police officers, as well as joint training programs that would benefit both countries.
Minister Naqvi proposed the idea of making Islamabad and Riyadh twin cities, an initiative warmly received by Dr. Al-Dawood. Both sides agreed to take the necessary steps to make this a reality, reinforcing the ties that bind the two capitals.
They also addressed the growing concern over the mafia responsible for sending beggars from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia. The leaders agreed on the importance of a joint effort to eliminate this issue and discussed implementing a prisoner exchange agreement between their nations. Minister Naqvi assured that legal processes were underway to repatriate 419 Pakistani prisoners from Saudi Arabia in the near future.
The Minister took the opportunity to underline the significance of Saudi Arabia as a close and brotherly Islamic nation. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to offering full support in further enhancing bilateral ties. He also revealed that the names of 4,300 beggars had been added to the Exit Control List (ECL), with a strict zero-tolerance policy towards beggars traveling to Saudi Arabia. A nationwide crackdown on the syndicate responsible for this was already in motion.
In an effort to strengthen people-to-people connections, Minister Naqvi announced that Saudi citizens would no longer need a visa to visit Pakistan, providing them the freedom to travel at any time.
Minister Naqvi also expressed admiration for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, noting that under the current leadership, Saudi Arabia is set to emerge as a global leader in economic, social, and cultural sectors. He voiced confidence that the vision would transform the kingdom into a beacon of progress.
Dr. Al-Dawood, for his part, spoke of the enduring strength of Pakistan-Saudi relations and expressed his eagerness to expand cooperation, particularly in areas such as law enforcement exchanges and joint training programs, reinforcing the spirit of partnership between the two nations.
