ISLAMABAD: Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Sajid Hussain Turi on Tuesday showed his deep concern over 27000 pending and blocked Passport renewal cases.

Turi, in an effort to resolve the issue on priority basis, met with Minister of State for Interior Abdul Rehman Khan Kanju and Director General Immigration and Passports. The Minister was assured that the matter will be reviewed and all possible solutions will be considered. A fresh summary will also be moved in cabinet regarding this matter.

Turi was of the view that illegal immigration of Pakistanis in other countries is not only an issue in itself but also creates enormous hurdles for legal visa seekers. In a recent event, more than 300 Pakistanis were imprisoned in Iraq for illegal immigration. The Minister expressed that every year thousands of Pakistanis visit Iraq for Ziyarat and such incidents would create new issues for them.

The Iraq Ambassador has unequivocally said that if such incidents got repeated in the future, Iraq might consider barring Pakistanis from Arbaeen Ziyarat this year. The Minister concluded that the ministry will make all possible efforts to resolve visa issues and to provide legal migration channels to Pakistanis who wish to seek knowledge and employment abroad.