KARACHI, July 7, 2025 — Federal Minister for Interior & Narcotics Control, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, has assured the business community that the growing issue of UAE visa rejections for Pakistani nationals is being taken seriously and will soon be addressed.
During his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), the Minister confirmed he would hold a key meeting with the UAE Interior Minister within the next two days to discuss the matter in detail.
Naqvi acknowledged that visa denials, particularly by the UAE, have caused considerable inconvenience, especially for Pakistani businessmen who frequently travel to the Gulf country for trade and commercial activities. He expressed confidence that with diplomatic engagement, the problem could be resolved soon, easing the travel process for Pakistanis and restoring confidence among entrepreneurs.
He also emphasized the government’s broader goal of enhancing the global standing of the Pakistani passport. Naqvi stated that measures are underway to significantly improve its ranking over the next two years. “We want every Pakistani to take pride in holding their green passport,” he said.
During the session at KCCI, the Minister highlighted his ministry’s various initiatives, including improved coordination for security, narcotics control, anti-smuggling operations, and urban infrastructure development. He assured KCCI of full cooperation in resolving business-related concerns, including budgetary issues and administrative challenges.
Addressing questions on UAE visa concerns, Naqvi reiterated that facilitating overseas travel for legitimate business, education, and family purposes remains a top priority for the Interior Ministry. He acknowledged the economic importance of the UAE as a hub for Pakistani businesses and promised a more streamlined visa process following discussions with Emirati authorities.
Regarding Karachi’s overall law and order situation, the Minister praised recent improvements but acknowledged that challenges remain. He committed to making Karachi safer and healthier, stating that a stronger Karachi contributes to a stronger Pakistan.
He also pledged to support KCCI in establishing a liaison setup for verifying CNICs and SIMs for employment screening, ensuring improved business security. Additionally, he welcomed proposals for police reforms, encroachment crackdowns, and stricter anti-smuggling enforcement.
On the matter of narcotics, the Minister invited KCCI to collaborate with the Anti-Narcotics Force to set up a rehabilitation center for drug users. He expressed concern over rising drug use in schools and colleges, calling for urgent collective action.
Meanwhile, business leaders at KCCI, including Zubair Motiwala and Jawed Bilwani, urged the Minister to ensure better engagement with the UAE and establish a permanent dialogue mechanism between KCCI and the Interior Ministry to promptly address issues, including future visa complications and national security concerns.