ISLAMABAD: Breaking his silence over differences with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi on Friday said those wishing to create differences would be utterly disappointed. Terming Shehbaz Sharif his elder brother, he said the ministerial portfolio meant nothing to him and preferred his 25 years long relationship with the prime minister over it.

“Our brotherly relations also have a friendly nature based on respect. I don’t know what and how people talk. But it does not make any difference to me. Our relationship is strong and will remain strong,” he said while talking to reporters during a visit to the public faclitation centre here.

The minister said a decision would be taken soon regarding crackdown on illegal immigrants including Afghan nationals.

He acknowledged people were getting passports after a delay of up to five months.

Breaks silence over differences with PM

“I am aware of the passport issues and will fix this department soon. I believe in the sanctity of the households,” he told mediapersons.

“As chief ninister and interior minister, I never gave orders to the police to misbehave with women at home,” Mr Naqvi claimed in response to opposition parties’ allegations that he abused power when he was chief minister.

Sharing an update about the security of the Chinese nationals, he said work had started on an emergency basis on the issue of the security of Chinese citizens in Pakistan.

The minister said a proposal was being sent to the federal government for recruitment of 2,000 police personnel in Islamabad. He said this strength was also required to further enhance security of Chinese nationals.

Mr Naqvi said he was a supporter of open visa policy. “I want Pakistani visas to be made easier for Sikhs,” he said.

“Sikhs should be given the facility of visa on arrival in Pakistan. In the first phase, this facility should be provided to Sikhs residing in countries other than India,’” he added.

Commenting on his portfolio, he clarified that if he had to choose between the interior ninistry and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), he would prefer the PCB.

The minister said work had been started for the establishment of a forensic laboratory and a prison in the federal capital.

He expressed the commitment to bring down crime rate in the capital, adding that police stations in Islamabad would be transformed in the next three to four months.

He said a criteria woild be put in place for the registration of FIRs and the Safe City project would be further upgraded.

Mr Naqvi said the Public Facilitation Centre would remain functional round the clock, adding that this centre was providing 28 services including those related to excise and traffic.

Earlier, talking to mediamen at the Parliament House, the minister said an effective strategy was being devised for the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2024