Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Collaborate to Combat Passport Forgery and Enhance Security
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced that, with Saudi Arabia’s support, Pakistan can now take action against individuals involved in passport forgery and document tampering within its borders.
During his visit to Riyadh’s Saudi Directorate of Passport, Naqvi met with Major General Dr. Saleh Al-Marabba, the acting Director General. The two discussed streamlining the passport issuance process and implementing measures to prevent fraud. Naqvi praised the use of advanced technology in Saudi Arabia’s modern passport system and emphasized how this collaboration would enhance the security of Pakistan’s passport process.
He also shared plans to establish a call center in Pakistan, inspired by the Saudi Directorate of Passport’s successful model. Saudi authorities had previously arrested 3,700 Pakistanis at airports for using forged documents and tampered passports.
In addition to his work on passport security, Naqvi visited King Fahd Security College, where he was received by Director General Major General Dr. Ali Al-Daej. He commended the college’s five-year strategic plan and proposed an exchange program that would bring Saudi master’s graduates to Pakistan for study tours and offer short-term training for Pakistani graduates. Naqvi highlighted Saudi Arabia’s advanced approach to security as a reflection of the country’s forward-thinking leadership.
Naqvi’s visit also comes after concerns were raised about Pakistani beggars in Saudi Arabia, particularly those entering under Umrah visas. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj had asked Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs to address the growing issue, as it was negatively affecting pilgrims. Recently, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) detained ten people at Karachi Airport attempting to travel to Saudi Arabia under false pretenses, intending to beg while posing as Umrah pilgrims.
Separately, the FIA also apprehended a fugitive wanted in Saudi Arabia for robbery. The suspect, Sanaullah, was wanted by Punjab Police and was transferred from Saudi Arabia to Islamabad.
In another significant development, Saudi Arabia offered Pakistan advanced drug detection equipment in a bid to strengthen cooperation against narcotics trafficking. During a visit to the Saudi Anti-Narcotics Headquarters, Naqvi discussed joint efforts with Director General Maj-Gen Muhammad Al-Qarni to combat drug smuggling. Naqvi emphasized that drug trafficking is a global issue, requiring collaborative efforts to create a drug-free future for coming generations.
