Karachi: Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi, acknowledging the growing issues of visa rejection of Pakistani citizens, especially the business community, by the United Arab Emirates, has said that he will meet with the UAE Interior Minister the day after tomorrow to discuss the issue and he is hopeful that given the difficulties faced by Pakistani traders and the business community, this issue will be resolved. He expressed these views while addressing a meeting during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Monday. Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala, Vice Chairman BMG Anjum Nisar, President KCCI Muhammad Javed Bilwani, Senior Vice President Zia-ul-Arfeen, Vice President Faisal Khalil Ahmed, Chairman Law and Order Sub-Committee Akram Rana, former presidents Majid Aziz, Younis Muhammad Bashir, Junaid Makda, Tariq Yousuf, Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, Muhammad Idris and members of the managing committee were also present on the occasion.
Naqvi also discussed improving the global standing of the Pakistani passport, aiming to achieve a respectable position within two years. He credited various security forces and the provincial administration for the peaceful conduct of Muharram. A new policy limiting mobile service disruptions to specific sensitive areas, rather than entire cities, was also highlighted. He assured attendees of efforts to improve Karachi’s situation, recognizing its importance to the national economy, and promised cooperation with the KCCI on budget concerns.
The minister reported a decrease in smuggling over the past two years, though challenges persist. He termed this illegal trade detrimental to the economy and industrial expansion. Improvements in Pakistan Coast Guard resources were mentioned, including the addition of patrol boats. He emphasized the need to enhance border security infrastructure and equipment. Naqvi also addressed KCCI’s request for ID and SIM card verification services, hinting at KCCI’s potential access to pre-employment screenings. He affirmed the Prime Minister’s commitment to the Safe City project for crime prevention.
Naqvi invited the KCCI to collaborate on a drug rehabilitation center, acknowledging the growing drug problem. He lauded Sindh Police for reducing Karachi’s crime rate, while acknowledging the difficulty of completely eradicating crime in a major city. He also voiced concerns about illegal encroachments, suggesting stronger laws, stricter punishments, and higher financial penalties.
Motiwala termed land grabbing Karachi’s biggest challenge and criticized the revival of questionable police practices. He appealed for surprise inspections of police stations and stressed police reforms, emphasizing merit-based promotions and better salaries. He also requested a liaison officer at the KCCI for submitting confidential complaints. Noting improvements in law and order, he emphasized the need to address street crime. Delays in the K-Four water project and water wastage were also criticized, and Motiwala stressed continuous liaison between the KCCI and the Ministry of Interior.
Bilwani praised the ministry’s strategy for a peaceful Muharram and emphasized measures to curb illegal activities. He suggested using AI-powered cameras at entry/exit points and setting up barriers to control movement from slums. He requested improved ID card and SIM card verification facilities at the KCCI and criticized the Anomaly Committee’s ineffectiveness. Bilwani also requested support for exporters and, expressing concern over growing drug use, demanded action against dealers.