On Monday, the government decided to reverse its previous policy suspending the issuance of passports to Pakistani nationals seeking asylum abroad.
A high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar reviewed the policy decision made via a circular on June 5, 2024, which had halted passport issuance for asylum seekers. It was resolved to immediately revoke this policy and withdraw the circular, according to a press release.
The meeting included the foreign secretary, interior secretary, and the director general of Immigration and Passports (Impass). Discussions also covered delays in passport issuance for Pakistanis living abroad. The interior secretary and the director general updated Dar on ongoing efforts to improve the process.
The decision was made to enhance infrastructure and equipment within the next 45 days and to expedite the processing of passport applications for overseas Pakistanis.
Dar and Omani FM Discuss Anti-Terror Cooperation
Foreign Minister Dar and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi spoke on Monday about the recent terrorist attack on Imambargah Ali ibn Abi Talib in Wadi Kabir, Muscat. They emphasized the need for joint efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms.
During their phone conversation, Dar expressed Pakistan’s full support for Oman’s counter-terrorism efforts and praised Oman for its assistance in repatriating deceased Pakistanis and caring for the wounded in Omani hospitals. The attack had resulted in several Pakistani casualties.
The two leaders also reviewed their bilateral relations, covering political, economic, and defense cooperation as well as people-to-people exchanges. Dar welcomed an upcoming visit by a delegation of Omani investors to Pakistan, aimed at exploring economic collaboration.
They agreed in principle to continue high-level exchanges, with dates to be arranged through diplomatic channels.
