Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday called on the business community to bring back “20-30 percent” of their wealth to Pakistan ahead of the upcoming budget.
Speaking at a ceremony at the Federation House in Karachi, he said that the government would facilitate the business community but “at least give this one gesture over the next three months, before the budget and then see what happens”.
“It is not tedious. You have to go online and use an app,” he said, adding that Pakistan offered strong returns on investment. He said that if the business community took this one step, it would compel the government to take more measures in their interests.
“So, before the budget, bring back $10 billion … This is easily possible,” he said.
In his address, he also said that a proposal for a separate passport for businessmen would be shared with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif soon.
“We have almost prepared a proposal … which will be taken to the prime minister soon,” he said. He said that “genuine businessmen” face visa issues, highlighting China, the United States, Europe and the United Kingdom as their priority destinations.
He said that everyone inadvertently suffered when certain people tried to acquire visas through illegal means.
“We thought a lot about what to do about this … Let’s see what the cabinet approves and what feedback the prime minister gives. But we are taking this proposal for which we have taken all these countries on board for issuing a separate visa for businessmen,” he said.
“The passport will be [used] for a limited extent with the authorities having knowledge of tax return, the extent of business [and] related information,” he said, adding that it may have between 100 to 150 requirements as well as a fee.
Explaining the benefits of such a passport, he said the embassies would know that the passport holders were genuine businessmen. He asserted that the document would be issued after complete verification. He also said that separate counters would be established for the passport holders at airports.
“We have to get this approved by the prime minister, then the cabinet but I know that if we achieve this, it will greatly satisfy the business community,” he said.
Separately, Naqvi visited the headquarters of the Pakistan Coast Guards on Tuesday, where he chaired a high-level meeting and received a detailed briefing on the force’s operations and preparedness.
Upon arrival, the minister was welcomed by Director General Major General Javad Riaz. Naqvi also laid a floral wreath at the martyrs’ monument and offered prayers, paying tribute to the sacrifices of Coast Guards personnel.
Speaking on the occasion, Naqvi praised the martyrs for their “unforgettable sacrifices” in safeguarding the country’s coastal areas, stating that their contributions would always be remembered.
During the briefing, officials informed the minister that approximately 14,000 kilograms of narcotics had been seized over the past year, with an estimated value exceeding Rs 8 billion. Naqvi commended the force’s professional capabilities and operational readiness.
The interior minister directed authorities to prepare a feasibility report for launching a ferry service from Karachi to Iraq, noting that such a service would greatly facilitate pilgrims traveling to Iraq.
He also instructed officials to continue robust operations against drug trafficking and smuggling networks, emphasizing that all available resources should be utilized to dismantle smuggling mafias.
Naqvi highlighted that the Pakistan Coast Guards perform duties simultaneously on land and at sea, playing a vital role not only during peacetime but also in challenging and wartime situations. He assured that all necessary support and resources would be provided to further strengthen the force.
The minister was also briefed on the Pasni Safe City Project. The meeting concluded with prayers for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs.