Latest news with #TallalChaudhry
Arab News
08-08-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan to arrange special flights, discounted travel to Iraq for pilgrims after land route closure
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will arrange special flights and coordinate with airlines to provide discounted tickets to Shia pilgrims traveling to Iraq for the Arbaeen pilgrimage, State Minister for Interior Tallal Chaudhry on Friday, following the closure of land route. Thousands of Pakistanis travel to Iran and Iraq annually to visit religious sites, including observing Arbaeen (Arabic for 'forty'), a significant religious occasion in Shia Islam that marks the end of a 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussain, who was 'martyred' in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Islamabad last month suspended road travel to Iran and Iraq for the Arbaeen pilgrimage this year, citing public safety and national security concerns. Pakistanis traveling to the countries via road have often been targeted in sectarian attacks by armed groups in the country's restive Balochistan province, which shares border with Iran. The decision led to a protest by Shia religious and political parties, prompting Chaudhry to arrive in the southern port city of Karachi to hold hours-long negotiations with the protest leaders to defuse the crisis by facilitating pilgrims with discounted travel and payment refunds. 'For those whose Iraqi visas have already been issued and who wish to travel overland, the government will coordinate with airlines to provide discounted tickets,' the state minister told reporters. 'Special flights will be arranged to facilitate pilgrims during the travel season, and flight operations to Iraq for these pilgrims will begin in the next two to three days.' He said the government took painful decision of closing the Rimdan border crossing due to some 'security and other concerns,' and it was not being close permanently, requesting pilgrims to take alternate travel routes this year. 'For those who have made advance payments to bus and transport operators, the Government of Pakistan will play its role in ensuring that the tour operators refund those payments,' Chaudhry said, adding the government would set up a committee to resolve pilgrim issues. Islamabad's decision to restrict road travel came in the wake of a rise in militant attacks in the province by ethnic Baloch militant groups who demand a greater share of the province's mineral resources from Islamabad. Separately, the Pakistani government is introducing a new, centralized system for organizing pilgrimages to holy sites in Iran and Iraq that would require interested parties to register as tour operators, the Pakistani religious affairs minister announced in July. The statement followed an announcement by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi that Pakistani pilgrims would not be able to individually travel for religious pilgrimages from Jan. 1 next year. The decision was made after Iran, Iraq and Syria raised concerns with Islamabad about some of these Pakistani pilgrims overstaying their visas or working illegally in the host countries. Pakistan previously had no formal structure for people to travel to Iran and Iraq for religious purposes. Although a system was approved in 2021 to organize these pilgrimages, but little progress was made on its implementation.
Business Recorder
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Religious hatred on social media: Pakistan govt decides to launch crackdown
ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Thursday decided to launch a strict crackdown against individuals spreading religious hatred on social media during Muharram, aiming to maintain peace and security. The decision was taken during a high-level security meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The meeting resolved to take firm action against those misusing digital platforms to incite religious intolerance and directed the formulation of clear recommendations for the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to curb hate content on both social and electronic media. 'No one will be allowed to incite violence or disturb public order,' a senior official said after the meeting. 'Strict enforcement of the Muharram code of conduct will be ensured.' An official statement issued by the Ministry of Interior regarding a meeting on the nationwide Muharram security plan, reviewed security strategy for Muharram, for all provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad. It was decided that any suspension of mobile or internet services during sensitive days will be made in consultation with provincial authorities, based on ground realities and security assessments. The meeting decided that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure peace and order during Muharram. It was also agreed that any decision to suspend internet or mobile phone services will be made in consultation with relevant provinces, keeping in view the security concerns, it says. The Interior Minister directed authorities that decisions regarding internet and mobile service suspensions must be made on the basis of ground realities and the security situation. He emphasised that all necessary measures and decisions will be taken through mutual consultation. The federal government will extend full support to all provinces, Azad Kashmir, G-B for maintaining law and order, he said, adding that modern technology will be used to monitor processions and gatherings. The Inspector General of Police (IGPs) and home secretaries of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, G-B, and Islamabad attended the meeting and briefed the Interior Minister on their respective security plans for Muharram. The meeting was also attended by Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, Secretary Ministry Interior, Acting Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), Commandant Frontier Constabulary (FC), Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad, DIG Islamabad Police, senior officials of the Ministry of Interior, and law enforcement agencies. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Religious hatred on social media: govt decides to launch crackdown
ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Thursday decided to launch a strict crackdown against individuals spreading religious hatred on social media during Muharram, aiming to maintain peace and security. The decision was taken during a high-level security meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The meeting resolved to take firm action against those misusing digital platforms to incite religious intolerance and directed the formulation of clear recommendations for the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to curb hate content on both social and electronic media. 'No one will be allowed to incite violence or disturb public order,' a senior official said after the meeting. 'Strict enforcement of the Muharram code of conduct will be ensured.' An official statement issued by the Ministry of Interior regarding a meeting on the nationwide Muharram security plan, reviewed security strategy for Muharram, for all provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad. It was decided that any suspension of mobile or internet services during sensitive days will be made in consultation with provincial authorities, based on ground realities and security assessments. The meeting decided that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure peace and order during Muharram. It was also agreed that any decision to suspend internet or mobile phone services will be made in consultation with relevant provinces, keeping in view the security concerns, it says. The Interior Minister directed authorities that decisions regarding internet and mobile service suspensions must be made on the basis of ground realities and the security situation. He emphasised that all necessary measures and decisions will be taken through mutual consultation. The federal government will extend full support to all provinces, Azad Kashmir, G-B for maintaining law and order, he said, adding that modern technology will be used to monitor processions and gatherings. The Inspector General of Police (IGPs) and home secretaries of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, G-B, and Islamabad attended the meeting and briefed the Interior Minister on their respective security plans for Muharram. The meeting was also attended by Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, Secretary Ministry Interior, Acting Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), Commandant Frontier Constabulary (FC), Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad, DIG Islamabad Police, senior officials of the Ministry of Interior, and law enforcement agencies. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Deported Pakistanis to face FIRs and passport cancellations, officials confirm
Listen to article Islamabad: Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi chaired an important meeting in Islamabad. It was decided during the meeting that FIRs would be registered against deported individuals and their passports would also be canceled. It was further decided that deportees would be placed on the Passport Control List for five years. On the instructions of Interior Minister, a committee has been formed under the leadership of the Interior Secretary to further strengthen and improve passport rules and regulations. The Interior Minister stated that deportees are causing embarrassment for Pakistan at International level, thus no leniency will be shown to them in the future. Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, DG FIA Riffat Mukhtar Raja, and DG Passports Mustafa Jamal Qazi were present on the occasion.
Arab News
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan interior minister meets US envoy, conveys ‘serious concerns' over India strikes
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker on Wednesday to convey his country's 'serious concerns' over India's military strikes inside Pakistani territory and its implications for regional peace, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said. Several countries have called for calm between India and Pakistan amid soaring tensions in South Asia, following Indian attacks on six locations inside Pakistan on Wednesday. Islamabad said Indian strikes killed at least 26 civilians and injured 46. In response, Pakistan claimed to have downed five Indian fighter jets and struck Indian military posts along the Line of Control. Naqvi met Baker in Islamabad to provide her a 'comprehensive' briefing in the aftermath of the Indian strikes and evolving security situation in South Asia, APP reported. US Political Counselor Zachary Harkenrider and Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry were part of the meeting. 'During the meeting, Minister Naqvi gave a comprehensive briefing to the US delegation on the aftermath of the Indian aggression, expressing Pakistan's serious concerns over the incident and its implications for regional peace,' APP said. Naqvi accused India of putting South Asia's peace and stability at stake, APP said. He further stressed 'India has torn apart regional harmony and by targeting civilians, it has blatantly violated international laws.' Naqvi said Pakistan had acted responsibly and showed maximum restraint in the face of Indian provocation. 'We gave a strong and appropriate response in defense of our homeland,' Naqvi was quoted as saying. 'Pakistan will never allow any compromise on its national security.' INTERNATIONAL REACTION US President Donald Trump had reacted to the incident on Wednesday night, condemning the escalation, expressing hope that the fighting would end quickly. 'It's a shame,' he said. 'Just heard about it. I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past. They've been fighting for a long time. They've been fighting for many, many decades. I hope it ends very quickly.' Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was monitoring the situation closely and would continue to engage with the leadership of both countries for a 'peaceful resolution.' A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said India's actions were 'regrettable,' urging both countries to exercise restraint and refrain from further complicating the situation, Reuters reported. United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan called on Pakistan and India 'to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation that could threaten regional and international peace,' Emirates News Agency-WAM reported. Turkiye urged India and Pakistan to act with common sense amid the military escalation between them, its foreign ministry said on Wednesday, saying India's latest military action created the risk of an 'all-out war.' In a statement, the ministry reiterated its support for Pakistan's call for an investigation into a militant attack that killed 26 in the Indian-administered side of the Himalayan region on April 22. The UK is ready to support both India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions, Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said on Wednesday, following the worst violence between the nuclear-armed arch-foes in two decades. 'Our message would be that we are a friend, a partner to both countries. We stand ready to support both countries. Both have a huge interest in regional stability, in dialogue, in de-escalation and anything we can do to support that, we are here and willing to do,' he told BBC radio.
