ISLAMABAD, Apr 20, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on
Sunday announced that Saudi citizens now face no restrictions entering
Pakistan, reaffirming friendly ties during a detailed meeting with Saudi
Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy.
Naqvi was warmly received at the Diplomatic Enclave, where he held a
comprehensive discussion with the Saudi envoy. The interior minister
expressed deep gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support to
Pakistan in every time of need.
According to a press release Sunday, matters of mutual interest,
promotion of bilateral relations and increasing mutual cooperation were
discussed in the meeting.
He also appreciated the participation of the Saudi delegation in the
anti-narcotics conference organised jointly by Pakistan and the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC), terming it an important gesture of
solidarity.
Mohsin Naqvi announced a relaxation in travel policies, confirming that
Saudi nationals are now free to enter Pakistan without restriction.
He also outlined recent passport issuance reforms, noting that Pakistan
has introduced new conditions to ensure better document control.
Furthermore, Naqvi assured the ambassador that law enforcement agencies
have intensified their crackdown on professional beggars operating
across the country.
In a significant revelation, the interior minister lauded the Saudi
government’s cooperation in securing the release of five innocent
Pakistani nationals jailed in the kingdom in a fake drug smuggling case.
“Thanks to the continued support of our Saudi brothers, five families
have been reunited with their loved ones,” Naqvi said.
Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malkiy reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s
commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, stating: “Saudi Arabia
and Pakistan enjoy historic and cordial ties. We are committed to
deepening cooperation in all sectors of mutual interest.”
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides pledging
continued collaboration and goodwill.