Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that the government will request Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf (PTI) to rethink his planned protest on February 8, but if the party refuses, the state will take the necessary action.
Naqvi made these comments during his visit to the Mega Passport Center on Peco Road in Lahore.
In response to a question, the Minister of the Interior remembered that a similar request was made to PTI on November 26, and another request will be issued before Protest 8 February. “If they still refuse, the state will be forced to intervene,” he added.
Naqvi also stated that the backlog of passport applications had been resolved a month ago, and in collaboration with the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra), 14 new passport offices will be established across the country, with three additional centers opened in Lahore, and Shimla Pahahari Center has also been upgraded to meet the growing demand.
NAQVI, who addressed the question of passport authority, expressed its commitment to its fast business and emphasized that creating a dedicated body would streamline passport issuing processes. “We have already discussed this with the prime minister, and the plan is moving,” he said.
With regard to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Interior Minister hinted at significant reforms in the coming days, especially in tackling issues that legal travelers face at airports.
“People traveling abroad through decent channels should not be harassed at airports,” he noted, stressing that both the FIA and the customs will undergo major changes.
On the subject of illegal migration, NAQVI recognized the ongoing challenge for individuals trying to travel to Europe and other continents through illegal routes, such as boat accidents. “We take strict measures by immigration counters to prevent such illegal activities,” he said.
The Minister of the Interior also emphasized that regions such as Gujarat and the Faisalabad division had seen a significant increase in attempts to travel illegally. As a result, changes in the FIA will be implemented to fight these issues more effectively.
While Naqvi expressed support to Pakistanis who traveled abroad legally, he assured that those involved in illegal immigration or spotted the country’s reputation would have serious consequences. Although he could not guarantee the complete eradication of the agent mafia, he assured himself that a comprehensive strategy has soon been devised to launch a major crash.
Naqvi also talked about his recent visit to the United States and expressed confidence that the positive results of the visit would soon become clear as he highlighted the strong relations between the Pakistani and American governments and mentioned productive meetings with US congressmen and senators who will bear fruit in the future.
