Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced visa-free travel for Saudi citizens, a major step to boost diplomatic and cultural ties, fostering stronger relations between the two nations. The policy, unveiled on April 20, 2025, aims to foster closer ties between the two nations and promote tourism, trade, and collaboration.
The announcement came during a high-level meeting in Islamabad between Minister Naqvi and Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy. Held at the Diplomatic Enclave, the discussion focused on deepening bilateral cooperation in areas such as travel, security, and law enforcement.
A Milestone in Bilateral Relations
Naqvi praised the deep Pakistan-Saudi Arabia friendship, thanking the kingdom for its steadfast support across multiple domains, strengthening bilateral ties.. He specifically praised Saudi Arabia’s active participation in a recent anti-narcotics summit co-organized by Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which addressed regional drug trafficking challenges.
The visa-free travel policy is expected to simplify cross-border movement, encouraging Saudi tourists, investors, and professionals to explore opportunities in Pakistan. “This decision reflects our commitment to making Pakistan more accessible and strengthening our historic bond with Saudi Arabia,” Naqvi stated.
Reforms and Security Enhancements
Naqvi informed the ambassador about Pakistan’s initiatives to upgrade its passport and ID systems, focusing on improved security, fraud prevention, and efficient issuance processes to ensure reliable and streamlined document management. “These reforms are part of our broader vision to ensure transparency and efficiency in governance,” he noted.
The minister also outlined ongoing initiatives to curb urban crime, including targeted operations against organized begging syndicates. These efforts underscore Pakistan’s commitment to improving public safety and creating a welcoming environment for visitors.
A Gesture of Goodwill
A key highlight of the discussion was Naqvi’s acknowledgment of Saudi Arabia’s role in securing the release of five Pakistani citizens falsely accused in a drug smuggling case. The minister described the resolution as a testament to the strong trust and coordination between the two nations. “We deeply value Saudi Arabia’s cooperation in upholding justice,” he remarked.
Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Partnership
Ambassador Al-Malkiy reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s dedication to expanding collaboration with Pakistan across economic, cultural, and strategic domains. He emphasized the deep-rooted ties between the two countries, noting that the visa-free agreement marks a new chapter in their relationship. “Saudi Arabia looks forward to working closely with Pakistan to unlock new opportunities for mutual growth,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Visa-free travel enhances Saudi-Pakistan ties, boosting cultural exchange and investment in Pakistan’s thriving economy.Both sides expressed optimism about the future of their partnership, pledging to explore additional avenues for cooperation.
As Pakistan and Saudi Arabia continue to strengthen their alliance, this landmark decision is poised to bring the two nations closer together, fostering a shared vision of prosperity and unity.
