Pakistan and Sudan have agreed to allow visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and official passports, while also deciding to enhance cooperation in security, cybercrime, police training, and other sectors. The pact was signed by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Sudanese counterpart, Lieutenant General Babiker Samra Mustafa Ali, during a meeting in Islamabad on Saturday.
Under the arrangement, holders of diplomatic and official passports from both countries will be exempt from visa requirements when travelling to each other's territories. Speaking at the meeting, Naqvi described the visa-free arrangement as an important milestone in bilateral relations, saying it would facilitate high-level contacts between the two countries.
The Sudanese interior minister said the agreement would further strengthen friendly relations and institutional cooperation. The two sides agreed to strengthen institutional collaboration, particularly in internal security, cybercrime, police training, and civil registration.
They also decided to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in tackling cybercrime, with the Sudanese interior minister expressing interest in benefiting from Pakistan's expertise in the field. Naqvi stated that Pakistan is ready to extend all possible assistance to Sudan in restoring peace and supporting its reconstruction process, offering professional training for Sudanese police officers.
Highlighting the role of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) in supporting Sudan's civil registration system, Naqvi noted that the authority had helped the country issue 36 million citizenship cards, 9 million national identity cards, 18 million birth certificates, and 500,000 death certificates. He affirmed that Nadra is ready to continue providing assistance to Sudan.
Separately, Naqvi directed officials to immediately resolve visa-related issues faced by Sudanese women married to Pakistani nationals. He also stated that Sudanese citizens could benefit from medical facilities in Pakistan.
The Sudanese interior minister welcomed Pakistan's offers of cooperation, describing Pakistan as a brotherly country and emphasizing the importance of expanding ties across various sectors. The meeting concluded with both sides expressing a firm commitment to deepening the strategic partnership.
The Sudanese delegation appreciated the hospitality and the proactive approach of the Pakistani government in fostering regional and international cooperation. This diplomatic engagement marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Interior to streamline international travel for government officials and strengthen ties with African nations.
Both ministers agreed to maintain regular communication channels to ensure the effective implementation of the newly signed agreements and to explore further avenues for mutual growth.