KARACHI:
Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, while acknowledging concerns over widespread visa rejections, particularly by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has announced that he will meet the UAE interior minister on Wednesday to discuss the matter.
He expressed optimism that a solution would be found, especially considering the challenges faced by Pakistani citizens, notably the business community, which frequently travels to the Gulf Arab nation for trade and business engagements. He added that steps are also being taken to improve the global ranking of the Pakistani passport, which, he stressed, would reach a significantly better position in the next two years, making Pakistanis proud of holding the green passport.
During his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Monday, Mohsin Naqvi was received by Businessmen Group (BMG) Chairman Zubair Motiwala, KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani and other prominent businessmen.
The interior minister mentioned that Muharram was observed peacefully this year across Pakistan, thanks to the efforts of Rangers, civil armed forces, the Pakistan Army and provincial governments. He noted a significant shift in strategy this year, with minimal mobile service suspension, limited only to specific sensitive areas, unlike previous years when blanket bans were imposed citywide.
He assured businessmen that efforts are underway to make Karachi healthier as a strong city will positively impact the entire country. Addressing budget-related issues raised by KCCI, he agreed to work for their resolution and arrange meetings for deeper deliberations.
Highlighting anti-smuggling efforts, he said that smuggling, once rampant, even of dollars, has been significantly curtailed over the past two years, though some challenges remain. He emphasised that smuggling is a “termite” eating away at the economy, hindering industrial growth.
The Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG), previously operating with only six boats along a 1,000+ km coastline, has been given two more boats, with plans to expand the fleet further by year-end. He stressed the need for better infrastructure and equipment to enable effective border security and anti-smuggling operations.
Responding to KCCI’s request regarding provision of CNIC and SIM verification at the chamber premises, the minister noted that the interior ministry already has a setup in place and another is being developed. He assured businessmen that they will explore ways to provide KCCI access to this system for background checks before employment, enhancing security for the business community.
Regarding the Safe City project, the minister reiterated that it is a top priority of the prime minister as such systems are essential for crime prevention. Work on implementing this project in Karachi is underway and every effort will be made to ensure its effective execution to help reduce crime.
