Pilgrims won't be allowed to overstay

Pakistan, Belgium to cooperate against illegal immigration

ISLAMABAD:

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held an important meeting with his Iraqi counterpart, General Abdul Ameer Al-Shammari, during which both sides discussed measures to enhance bilateral relations and improve facilities for Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq.

The two ministers held a detailed exchange of views on strengthening cooperation between the interior ministries of both countries on a sustainable and effective basis. They agreed to deepen coordination to ensure smooth arrangements for pilgrims as well as progress in broader security matters.

The Iraqi interior minister highly appreciated Pakistan's recent steps to formally organize and regulate pilgrim groups, calling the efforts "commendable" and noting that such effective measures were taken for the first time under the current administration. He assured that all pilgrims included in the list provided by Pakistan's Ministry of Interior would be allowed entry into Iraq.

Naqvi emphasized that pilgrims traveling to Iraq would not be permitted to overstay beyond the specified period, adding that relevant institutions of both countries would remain in close contact to ensure compliance and smooth coordination.

Both ministers also agreed to further strengthen cooperation in security matters, counterterrorism, prevention of human trafficking, and the exchange of information through a joint mechanism.

Naqvi expressed gratitude to the Iraqi government and people for their continued cooperation and traditional hospitality towards Pakistani pilgrims. He reaffirmed that the safety, dignity, and facilitation of Pakistani pilgrims remain the top priority of the Government of Pakistan.

Iraqi Interior Minister General Al-Shammari announced that he would soon visit Pakistan to finalise a joint plan aimed at enhancing pilgrim facilitation, security cooperation, and bilateral ties.

Visit to Belgium

The interior minister, during his official visit to Belgium, held an important meeting with Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Clerfayt to discuss bilateral cooperation, particularly in curbing illegal immigration and migrant smuggling.

Both sides agreed to strengthen joint efforts to combat migrant smuggling and enhance collaboration in countering terrorism, narcotics control, and joint training of paramilitary forces.

Minister Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the need for the international community to adopt a unified strategy and coordinated measures to curb illegal immigration. He noted that Pakistan has taken strict and effective steps to prevent illegal migration.

Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Clerfayt praised Pakistan's efforts in counterterrorism and combating illegal immigration, calling them "commendable."