Islamabad, Nov 20: Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, proposed a twin-city partnership between Islamabad and Riyadh during a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Interior Minister, Dr. Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood. The proposal, aimed at enhancing bilateral ties, received positive feedback from the Saudi minister, according to Express News. Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Maliki also participated in the discussion, which focused on mutual interests and collaborative opportunities, including joint training for paramilitary forces and police exchanges.
Both parties agreed to implement the twin-city initiative and discussed measures to combat human trafficking, particularly addressing criminal networks sending beggars to Saudi Arabia. Efforts to finalize a prisoner exchange agreement, which would repatriate 419 Pakistani detainees from Saudi Arabia, were also reviewed.
Naqvi praised Saudi Arabia as a “brotherly Islamic nation” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering strong relations. He highlighted visa-free entry for Saudi citizens and expressed appreciation for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, commending its potential to elevate Saudi Arabia’s global stature in economic and social sectors.
As part of Pakistan’s crackdown on human trafficking, 4,300 individuals involved in trafficking beggars have been placed on the Exit Control List (ECL). Naqvi emphasized a strict approach to eliminating such activities. Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Interior Minister welcomed the collaborative efforts and reiterated a commitment to strengthening ties through joint security programs and exchange initiatives.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Pakistan’s Additional and Special Interior Secretaries, the Commandant of the Frontier Constabulary, and key Islamabad administrators.
