ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States have agreed to conduct coordinated operations against fake and fraudulent visa networks, as both countries step up efforts to curb illegal immigration and strengthen law enforcement cooperation, officials said on Saturday.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad, according to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Interior Ministry.
Officials said both sides agreed to carry out joint actions under clearly defined standard operating procedures to dismantle networks involved in document fraud and illegal travel facilitation.
Naqvi said Pakistan had adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal migration and forged documentation, adding that enforcement efforts were being personally supervised at the highest level.
He said a nationwide crackdown was underway against individuals attempting to travel illegally to the United States, noting that government measures had led to a significant decline in such cases.
The interior minister also highlighted steps taken to enhance passport security through the use of modern technology, aimed at reducing document tampering and misuse.
Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in police training and coordination between law enforcement agencies to address broader migration and cross-border crime challenges.
The US diplomat said Washington placed importance on its relationship with Pakistan and viewed enhanced cooperation as key to strengthening bilateral engagement, the statement said.
