Pakistan, China Agree to Strengthen Border Security and Immigration Cooperation

Islamabad, Jul 18: Pakistan and China have agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation by enhancing coordination on immigration, border management and institutional frameworks, officials said following a high-level meeting in Islamabad. A delegation from China’s National Immigration Administration, led by Director General Qi Jingyang, met Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday to discuss measures aimed at strengthening border security and tackling cross-border crimes. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry also attended the meeting. According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Interior Ministry, the two sides agreed to improve joint operations against illegal immigration, weapons smuggling and other cross-border criminal activities. The countries also decided to finalise a bilateral agreement to streamline immigration procedures and establish a Pakistan-China Joint Working Group on border management and security. Interior Minister Naqvi said cooperation with China on land borders, seaports and immigration management would be further strengthened. “The Government of Pakistan is pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against illegal immigration, illegal border crossings and smuggling,” Naqvi said. Director General Qi Jingyang described China and Pakistan as strategic partners and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Islamabad, including support for strengthening the capacity of Pakistani institutions.