ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Sudan have signed an agreement allowing government officials and diplomats from both countries to travel without visas, in a move aimed at facilitating official visits and strengthening bilateral relations.
The agreement was signed in Islamabad by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Sudanese counterpart, Lieutenant General Babiker Samra Mustafa Ali, on Saturday.
Under the arrangement, holders of Pakistani and Sudanese diplomatic and official passports will be eligible for visa-free entry into each other’s countries. The exemption does not extend to ordinary passport holders.
Naqvi described the agreement as an important development in bilateral relations, saying it would simplify high-level visits, official engagements and exchanges of government delegations. His Sudanese counterpart also welcomed the arrangement, expressing confidence that it would strengthen institutional cooperation and friendly relations between the two countries.
Pakistan and Sudan expand security cooperation
Beyond the visa agreement, both sides discussed expanding collaboration in internal security, police training, institutional development, cybercrime prevention and services provided by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
The two governments also agreed to pursue a separate memorandum of understanding on cooperation against cybercrime, with Sudan expressing interest in benefiting from Pakistan’s experience in the field.
Naqvi offered professional training for Sudanese police personnel and pledged continued support for civil registration initiatives in Sudan. He also directed relevant authorities to address visa-related difficulties faced by Sudanese women married to Pakistani citizens and living in Pakistan.
The Pakistani minister further assured his counterpart that Sudanese nationals travelling to Pakistan for medical treatment would receive assistance in accessing healthcare facilities. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation and strengthening relations between Islamabad and Khartoum.
