Islamabad: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Deputy Interior Minister of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Nasser Bin Abdulaziz Al Dawood, convened a meeting to discuss the enhancement of bilateral relations and security cooperation between their countries. The meeting addressed mutual interests, joint training of security forces, and measures against organized crime.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting included discussions on declaring Islamabad and Riyadh as twin cities, a proposal welcomed by Dr. Al Dawood. The officials also addressed the ongoing issue of human trafficking networks that send beggars from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, agreeing to intensify crackdowns on these operations.

In addition, the two sides agreed to expedite the legal processes for the repatriation of 419 Pakistani prisoners currently in Saudi Arabia, as part of a broader prisoner exchange agreement. Minister Naqvi expressed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation and highlighted measures being taken against the trafficking networks, including the addition of 4,300 individuals’ names to the Exit Control List (ECL).

Naqvi lauded Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, predicting it will elevate the country’s global economic and social standing. Dr. Al Dawood reiterated Saudi Arabia’s desire to strengthen its relationship with Pakistan, particularly through mutual exchanges and joint training initiatives for paramilitary and police forces. The meeting was also attended by senior Pakistani officials, including the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al Maliki.