Pakistan interior minister meets Saudi envoy in first foreign interaction since taking office

Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi (left) meets Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki at the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad on March 14, 2024. (Photo courtesy: X/@KSAembassyPK)
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Updated 14 March 2024
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Pakistan interior minister meets Saudi envoy in first foreign interaction since taking office

  • Both discussed matters of mutual interest, enhancing cooperation says interior ministry 
  • Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi credits Saudi Arabia for supporting Pakistan in difficult times

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s newly appointed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki on Thursday to discuss bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest, the interior ministry said, in what was Naqvi’s first foreign interaction since assuming charge of office.
Naqvi, who was sworn in this week as a member of the federal cabinet, assumed charge as the country’s interior minister on Wednesday. He previously served as the caretaker chief minister of Pakistan’s most populous Punjab province from Jan. 2023 to Feb. 2024 and is currently the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Malki met Naqvi at the Diplomatic Enclave in Islamabad during which the Saudi ambassador congratulated him on assuming charge of his office, Pakistan’s interior ministry said.
“During the meeting matters of mutual interest, promoting bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation in various fields were discussed,” the ministry said.
Naqvi thanked the Saudi envoy for cooperating with the Punjab government during his tenure.
“Saudi Arabia has supported Pakistan in every trial,” Naqvi said, according to the ministry. “Saudi Arabia is like a second home for Pakistanis.”
The minister credited Malki for playing an “exemplary role” in strengthening Pakistan’s ties with Saudi Arabia.
“All of us are proud of our historic friendship with Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong trade and defense relations. The Kingdom is home to over 2.7 million Pakistani expatriates, serving as the top destination for remittances for the cash-strapped South Asian country.


Thai Air station manager found dead at Karachi airport, inquiry underway

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Thai Air station manager found dead at Karachi airport, inquiry underway

  • Airport authorities say preliminary assessments point to a cardiac incident
  • CCTV footage is being secured and police and medical teams informed

ISLAMABAD: A station manager for Thai Air was found dead at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan’s Airports Authority confirmed on Sunday, adding that preliminary indications pointed to a cardiac incident but an inquiry was still underway.

Local media reported a day earlier the body was found inside the Thai Air office at the airport terminal after the employee had not been seen for several hours. Initial medical assessments cited by local outlets suggested no immediate signs of foul play.

“A preliminary inquiry is underway,” Saifullah, a spokesperson for the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), who uses a single name, said in a statement.

“The Airport Security Force has been instructed to preserve nearby CCTV footage, while police and medical teams have been informed,” he added. “A detailed report will be submitted once the investigation is completed.”

Thai Air, the national carrier of Thailand, has long been used by Pakistani travelers flying to Bangkok and onward destinations in Southeast Asia, particularly for tourism and business travel.

Many Pakistani travelers also reach Thailand and other destinations in the region by first flying to Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi, before catching connecting flights.

However, these routes typically add to travel time compared with direct or near-direct options.