ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States have agreed to take joint action against fraudulent visa networks under comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs), Pakistan’s interior ministry said on Saturday.
The decision was taken during a meeting between US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, according to the interior ministry’s handout.
The interior ministry said the two sides discussed preventing illegal immigration and reviewed the effectiveness of pre-immigration clearance systems.
“The meeting decided that joint action will be taken against false and fraudulent visa networks under comprehensive SOPs,” the ministry said.
Naqvi said the government had adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards what he described as the “agent mafia” involved in fake visas and illegal migration.
“I am personally supervising action against fraudulent visa networks,” he was quoted as saying.
🤝 U.S. Ambassador Natalie Baker Meets Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi
U.S. Ambassador Natalie Baker held an important meeting with Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad.
Detailed discussions focused on:
Strengthening Pakistan-U.S. relations
Enhancing cooperation… pic.twitter.com/QC9IxIqiBn
— Islamabad Insider (@IslooInsider) January 24, 2026
Law enforcement cooperation
The meeting also agreed to increase cooperation between law enforcement agencies, with a particular focus on police training, the statement said.
Naqvi said Pakistan had strengthened security features in its passports using modern technology, making the travel document “foolproof”.
He described illegal immigration as a serious issue and acknowledged what he called Washington’s full-scale crackdown against those entering the United States illegally.
“Due to the government’s effective measures, there has been a 47 per cent drop in illegal immigration,” Naqvi said, adding that there would be no leniency for those involved in fraudulent documentation networks.
US Reaffirms Importance of Ties
Baker said Washington attached “special importance” to its relationship with Pakistan.
“Our priorities are aligned, and promoting mutual cooperation will further strengthen relations,” she was quoted as saying.
The interior ministry said both sides agreed to further enhance collaboration to curb illegal immigration and disrupt networks involved in fake and fraudulent visa activities.
