Naqvi tells NA body: Visa-free entry arrangements with 25 states within six months
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Thursday that visa-free entry arrangements with 25 countries would be finalized within the next six months. “The value of the green passport is currently improving, and its rating will advance further over the next six months,” he said while briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior. The meeting was chaired by MNA Raja Khurram…
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior that visa-free entry arrangements with 25 countries will be finalized within six months. Speaking at a meeting chaired by MNA Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, Naqvi expressed optimism about the value of the green passport, stating that it will improve and see further advancement in the coming six months.
Naqvi mentioned that visa-exemption agreements have already been established with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and that a similar arrangement with Qatar is anticipated soon. He clarified that the country currently possesses 70,000 blue passports, but some nations have indicated they might terminate visa-exemption agreements if the number of blue passports is not reduced to 25,000.
Naqvi explained that visa-free entry cannot be secured for 70,000 blue passports, as most countries first inquire about the total number of blue passports issued before considering such agreements. He also revealed that 22,000 blue passports have been cancelled and that a ban is currently in place on their issuance.
During the meeting, committee members requested a detailed breakdown of the 30,000 passports that will be reduced from the total number. State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry assured the committee that details related to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deputation officials, and former government officers would also be shared. He emphasized that the current government had not issued a single arms licence in Rawalpindi's streets, contrasting it with earlier claims.
The meeting also addressed the murder investigation of Hina Javed, with Additional Inspector General of Police (AIG) Crime Control Department (CCD) Sohail Zafar Chattha providing updates on the special committee formed by the Punjab chief minister. Chattha detailed the team's interactions with the victim's family, the crime scene, and the interrogation of suspects Zeeshan and Faisal Asghar at Adiala Jail, including the presentation of physical evidence like a bedsheet, rope, and drawstring.
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