The minister discussed advanced tech and anti-forgery measures during visit to Saudi Directorate of Passport.
Foreign Desk
Riyadh: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has stated that, with Saudi Arabia’s cooperation, individuals involved in passport forgery and document tampering can now be apprehended within Pakistan.
During his visit to the Saudi Directorate of Passport in Riyadh, Mohsin Naqvi met with the acting Director General, Major General Dr. Saleh Al-Marabba.
The discussion focused on streamlining the passport issuance process and implementing effective measures to prevent forgery. The minister reviewed the advanced technology utilised by the Directorate and praised its modern passport system.
Mohsin Naqvi highlighted that Saudi support could significantly enhance and secure Pakistan’s passport system. This collaboration will benefit the public and eliminate fraudulent practices. He also announced plans to establish a call centre in Pakistan similar to the one run by the Saudi Directorate of Passport.
Saudi authorities previously apprehended 3,700 Pakistanis at airports for travelling with forged documents and tampered passports.
Mohsin Naqvi also visited King Fahd Security College, where he was welcomed by its Director General, Major General Dr. Ali Al-Daej. The minister commended the college’s five-year strategic plan and appreciated the Director General’s efforts, Express News reported.
He extended an invitation to King Fahd Security College master’s graduates for study tours in Pakistan under an exchange programme and proposed short-term training courses at the college for Pakistani graduates. Mohsin Naqvi remarked that the college’s advanced approach to security reflects Saudi leadership’s innovative vision.
A few months ago Ministry of Hajj in Saudi Arabia formally urged Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs to address the rising issue of Pakistani beggars in the Kingdom. Saudi authorities expressed concerns that the unchecked activities of Pakistani beggars, particularly those on Umrah visas, could negatively impact Umrah pilgrims and Hajj visitors.
Last month Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) detained ten people at Karachi Airport on Saturday, accusing 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 organising the trip, the FIA said in a statement.
The FIA reported that the detainees, lacking knowledge of Umrah rituals and necessary accommodation bookings, were unable to provide relevant documents and possessed no funds for travel expenses.
Earlier the FIA NCB Interpol apprehended a fugitive wanted in a robbery case from Saudi Arabia and transferred him to Islamabad Airport.
According to an FIA spokesperson, the suspect, identified as Sanaullah, was wanted by Punjab Police.
