The government announced on Monday the reversal of its previous decision to suspend the issuance of passports to Pakistani nationals seeking asylum abroad. This decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, focussing on the welfare of overseas Pakistanis.
The meeting, attended by senior officials including the Foreign Secretary, Interior Secretary, and the Director General of Immigration and Passports (Impass), thoroughly reviewed the implications of the earlier policy, which had been instituted via a circular dated June 5, 2024. The meeting concluded with an immediate revocation of the said circular, as detailed in an official press release.
Addressing passport issuance delays
In addition to the policy reversal, the meeting addressed the persistent delays in the issuance of passports to Pakistanis residing abroad. The Interior Secretary and the Director General of Impass provided updates on the ongoing efforts to improve the process. It was resolved that the Interior Ministry and Impass will upgrade their infrastructure and equipment within the next 45 days to expedite the clearance of the backlog in passport issuance.
Dar discusses anti-terrorism efforts with Omani foreign minister
In a separate development, Foreign Minister Dar engaged in a telephone conversation with his Omani counterpart, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, to discuss the recent terrorist attack on Imambargah Ali ibn Abi Talib in Wadi Kabir, Muscat. The attack resulted in several casualties, including Pakistani nationals.
Minister Dar expressed Pakistan’s solidarity with Oman in combating terrorism and appreciated Omani authorities for their assistance in repatriating the bodies and caring for the injured Pakistanis. The conversation underscored the importance of unified efforts to tackle terrorism in all its forms.
Strengthening bilateral relations
The two leaders also reviewed the broader spectrum of Pakistan-Oman relations, encompassing political, economic, and defense cooperation, as well as cultural exchanges. Deputy Prime Minister Dar welcomed the upcoming visit of a delegation of Omani investors to Pakistan, aimed at exploring opportunities for economic collaboration.
Furthermore, both leaders agreed to enhance high-level exchanges and visits to strengthen bilateral ties. The details for these visits will be coordinated through diplomatic channels, promising a robust future for Pakistan-Oman relations.
