Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi said on Friday that Pakistan was a bulwark against terrorism.
Speaking to Norway’s Foreign Minister (FM) Espen Barth Eide, who called on him at the Ministry of Interior in Islamabad, Naqvi said that illegal immigration from Pakistan to Europe had dropped by 47 percent due to the government’s zero-tolerance policy. “Even the European Union has praised the efforts we have made in this connection,” he said, adding that in order to stop illegal immigration, there was a need to encourage legal immigration.
The minister alleged that the Afghan soil was being used to carry out acts of terrorism in Pakistan.
He expressed the hope that Norwegian FM’s visit would prove to be handy in further strengthening relations between the two countries.
Speaking on the occasion, Eide praised the efforts made by Pakistan in easing tensions between Iran and the US.
The FM also appreciated the role Pakistanis were playing in Norway’s development. “Pakistanis living in Norway are playing a key role in the country’s politics, health and other sectors.”
Detailed discussion was held on situation in the region, promotion of ties between the two countries and increasing cooperation to eliminate terrorism, stop illegal immigration through the capacity-building of law-enforcement agencies, especially police.
The situation in Afghanistan, particularly the presence of militant outfits in the country also came under discussion at the meeting.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, secretary interior and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
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