———- Adds Pakistan wants to sign agreements with the Netherlands
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Netherlands have pledged to join hands to curb human smuggling.
Netherlands Ambassador Henny Fokel de Vries visited the Interior Ministry where Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed her on Tuesday.
The ambassador and Naqvi discussed issues of mutual interest and pledged to undertake initiatives to further strengthen ties.
Minister Naqvi said Pakistan wanted to sign agreements with the Netherlands, especially in order to curb human smuggling.
He said no country could tackle the issue without concerted efforts.
He said an Italian team was expected to visit Pakistan to discuss the issue and solutions. The minister also apprised the Netherlands ambassador of Pakistan’s efforts to host Afghan nationals. The two leaders also underscored the need to promote cricket between the two countries.
Earlier, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stressed that the prosperity and development of Balochistan was closely associated with sustainable peace.
Naqvi was received by IG Major General Bilal Sarfraz Khan during his visit to the headquarter of Frontier Corps South Balochistan.
The minister paid homage at the martyrs’ memorial, laid flowers and offered prayers for the martyrs.
In a briefing session held under Naqvi’s chairmanship, a briefing was provided on operations against extremist groups and anti-smuggling efforts. The meeting also covered the professional performance of Frontier Corps South. Naqvi commended Frontier Corps South’s role in maintaining peace and combating smuggling in Balochistan.
He highlighted that “Frontier Corps South is at the forefront in thwarting the extremist agenda and has delivered exemplary services under challenging conditions.”
He praised the professionalism and bravery of the corps’ officers and personnel, assuring that their needs would be addressed within available resources. The minister underscored the need for a unified approach among all stakeholders to achieve Balochistan’s sustainable development.
He also emphasised that promoting sports, including cricket, would foster healthy activities among the youth.
Naqvi informed the seizure of illegal goods worth 4.7 billion rupees in the past six months.
