The Ministry of Interior has decided to register all foreigners residing in the country and facilitate all those Pakistanis for their return who are stuck at the Torkham border, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Talking to newsmen in Islamabad on Thursday, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said “It has been decided to register all foreigners present in the country and persons having fake Afghan visas have been also arrested. Around 40 to 50 thousand foreigners living in the country have no record for the last 70 years and every foreigner would be now registered.”

He said that online visa service has been initiated and cases are forwarded to the federal Cabinet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YFc7PCDqho

Within 30 days, Sheikh Rashid said that visas are issued to the applicants.

More than 4,000 Pakistanis are stuck at the Torkham border who want to go to Saudi Arabia or Middle East countries, the minister said, adding he would talk to the NCOC and other concerned authorities to facilitate them for their return to the country.

He said that rapid coronavirus testing would be conducted and those declared negative would be brought back to the country while the NCOC and FC would decide about those declared positive. He also appreciated the efforts of NCOC for an effective strategy to combat pandemic.

Responding to a question, Sheikh Rashid said that the case of Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) would be forwarded to the Cabinet this week which will decide its fate.

To a question, the minister said that PTI would win general elections in Azad Kashmir. Imran Khan would also win the next general elections in the country and we would have to improve performance, he added.

The minister said that drugs were being supplied into Pakistan from other countries and strict action would be taken against those involved in drug peddling activities.

He said that no dialogue is possible with India until New Delhi restores the autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir.