ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday said illegal immigration, particularly towards the United States, had declined by 47 per cent following a large-scale government crackdown, describing the issue as a serious challenge requiring zero tolerance.
He made the remarks during a meeting with US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Natalie Baker in Islamabad, where both sides discussed measures to curb illegal immigration and strengthen the pre-immigration clearance system.
The two officials agreed to launch a joint operation under comprehensive standard operating procedures against fake and fraudulent visa networks. Naqvi said those involved in forged documents and illegal visa operations would be shown no leniency, adding that he was personally supervising the crackdown.
“There is zero tolerance against the agent mafia,” the interior minister said, welcoming US cooperation in action against those facilitating illegal immigration. He also informed the US official that Pakistani passports were being made more secure through the use of latest technology.
Natalie Baker said the United States attached great importance to its relations with Pakistan, noting that both countries shared common priorities. She said enhanced bilateral cooperation would further strengthen ties between the two sides.
The meeting also covered broader Pak-US relations and ways to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. It was agreed that both countries would increase collaboration at all levels, including training for law-enforcement personnel such as the police, to effectively counter illegal immigration.
