Pakistan, Saudi Arabia agree to implement prisoners’ swap accord

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed on implementation of the agreement regarding exchange of prisoners between the two countries and also held talks on wiping out the mafia sending beggars to the Kingdom, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Deputy Interior Minister of Saudi Arabia Dr Nasir bin Abdul Aziz called on Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad on Wednesday. 

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest and promotion of Pakistan-Saudi relations were discussed. 

Mutual exchanges of paramilitary forces and police and joint training were also mulled in detail during the the meeting. 

Mohsin Naqvi proposed the Saudi minister to declare Islamabad and Riyadh as twin cities.

Both countries agreed to implement the prisoners exchange agreement. Legal work for the repatriation of 419 Pakistani prisoners from Saudi Arabia will be completed soon.

Discussions were also held on the crackdown against the mafia that sends beggars to the Saudi Kingdom.

Mohsin Naqvi said the government has adopted zero tolerance policy regarding beggars mafia and 4,300 names have been placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) in this regard.

Naqvi said Pakistan has allowed Saudi citizens visa-free travel to the country. “They can come here whenever they like,” he added.

The Pakistan minister commended Vision 2030 of the Saudi Crown Prince, saying through this vision Saudi ARbia will attain a high standing in the comity of nations.

The Saudi minister remarked that their relationship with Pakistan was very close and they wanted to bolster it further.

Ambassador of Saudi Arabia Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al Maliki was also present on this occasion.

Additional interior secretary, special interior secretary, commandant Frontier Constabulary, Islamabad chief commissioner, Islamabad police IG and Islamabad deputy commissioner also attended the meeting.

Reporter Awais Kiyani