ISLAMABAD, Jul 17: Pakistan and China have agreed to significantly expand cooperation on immigration, border management and institutional coordination, reaffirming their shared commitment to combating illegal immigration, arms smuggling and cross-border crime through closer collaboration.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and a Chinese delegation led by Qi Jingyang, Director General of China’s National Immigration Administration.
The two sides agreed to accelerate the finalisation of a bilateral agreement aimed at streamlining immigration procedures and facilitating faster processing. They also decided to establish a Pakistan-China Joint Working Group on border management and security to strengthen coordination and improve operational effectiveness.
Speaking on the occasion, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan and China would further enhance cooperation in land border management, seaport security and immigration administration. He reiterated that the Government of Pakistan was implementing a zero-tolerance policy against illegal immigration, unlawful border crossings and smuggling, adding that indiscriminate action was being taken against all those involved in such activities.
The minister also announced that a Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts checkpoint was being established at the Khunjerab Pass to further strengthen security along the strategically important border crossing.
Minister of State Talal Chaudhry said Pakistan and China would work together to effectively curb illegal immigration and other cross-border crimes through enhanced bilateral cooperation.
Chinese delegation commended Pakistan’s efforts to prevent illegal border crossings and smuggling, describing the country’s measures as effective and encouraging.
Director General Qi Jingyang said China and Pakistan were strategic partners and that Beijing remained committed to strengthening cooperation with Islamabad. He added that China would continue supporting the capacity-building of Pakistani institutions in areas related to immigration and border security.
During the meeting, the Chinese delegation delivered an invitation from China’s Minister of Public Security to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to participate in the upcoming Public Security Forum. The delegation also invited a team from Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to attend the forum.
Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan said Pakistani police officers would travel to China later this month for specialised training. He also noted that Chinese language instructors were currently providing language training to personnel of Pakistan’s Special Protection Unit to enhance communication and operational coordination.
The meeting was also attended by the Chinese Ambassador, the Interior Secretary, the Director General of the FIA, the Director General of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad and the Inspector General of Islamabad Police.
