KARACHI, July 7, 2025: Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, has assured the business community that the government is taking concrete steps to address the rising issue of UAE visa rejections and to uplift the image of the Pakistani passport internationally. He announced that he would be meeting the UAE Interior Minister in the coming days to discuss and potentially resolve the matter, especially in light of the difficulties faced by Pakistani traders and business professionals.

During his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Monday, Minister Naqvi also expressed optimism that the Pakistani “Green Passport” would achieve a much stronger global standing within the next two years.

The Interior Minister was warmly received by KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, Chairman of Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala, Vice Chairman Anjum Nisar, and other notable business leaders and former KCCI presidents.

Speaking on security matters, Naqvi lauded the peaceful observance of Muharram across Pakistan, attributing the success to joint efforts of the Rangers, Pakistan Army, Civil Armed Forces, and provincial authorities. He highlighted a shift in security strategy this year, where mobile services were minimally suspended, focusing only on sensitive areas instead of a citywide blackout.

Naqvi reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Karachis infrastructure and security, stating that a stronger Karachi will positively impact the entire country. He emphasized the importance of the Safe City Project, saying it is a top priority of the Prime Minister, with implementation work already underway.

On the issue of smuggling, the Minister reported significant progress in curbing illegal trade over the past two years, especially dollar smuggling. Describing smuggling as a “termite” eating away at the economy, he mentioned enhancements to the Pakistan Coast Guard (PCG), which has received two additional patrol boats to monitor Pakistans over 1,000 km coastline, with further expansion expected by year-end.

He also responded to KCCIs request for enhanced background verification services, promising to provide access to CNIC and SIM verification systems to help businesses conduct secure employee screening.

To address rising drug use, particularly the spread of ice in educational institutions, Naqvi invited KCCI to collaborate with the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) to establish a rehabilitation center for 300 drug addicts to support their reintegration into society.

While acknowledging that crime in Karachi has not been completely eliminated, the Minister credited Sindh Police for significant improvements. He stressed the need for harsher laws and stricter penalties to combat persistent issues like encroachments.

Also read: Sindh IG Reviews Safe City Project Progress: Over 540 Cameras Installed Across Karachi

In his remarks, Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala raised concerns about land grabbing, the deteriorating law and order situation, and increasing complaints about citizens facing difficulty in lodging FIRs. He criticized the resurgence of the “SHO culture”, which he said has led to arbitrary arrests. He urged the Minister to form inspection teams for surprise police station visits and emphasized the need for police reforms, including merit-based promotions and improved salaries.

Motiwala also recommended appointing a liaison officer from the Interior Ministry at KCCI to confidentially receive complaints from the business community and proposed bi-monthly visits by the Minister to KCCI for continuous engagement.

Addressing Karachis worsening water crisis, Motiwala stressed the urgency of completing the long-delayed K-IV water project, which could channel 250 MGD to the city in its first phase.

KCCI President Jawed Bilwani, in his welcome address, praised the Ministry’s handling of Muharram security and called for AI-based surveillance with facial recognition at all entry and exit points to combat smuggling, kidnapping, and street crimes. He also advocated for better use of NADRAs services to enhance employment screening and identity verification.

Bilwani criticized the ineffective functioning of the Anomaly Committee, warned against the negative consequences of the Normal Tax Regime, and supported a return to the Final Tax Regime to boost exports.

In conclusion, both KCCI leaders and the Interior Minister expressed a shared vision to resolve Karachis pressing issues, enhance business security, and foster a safer, more stable economic environment.