MANAMA: Prime Minister Mian Mohammed Nawaz on Thursday issued on spot directives to National Database and Registration Authority (NDRA) to allow Pakistani Bahrainis to enter Pakistan on NICOP.
Mian Nawaz Sharif was addressing a community meeting at Ritz Carlton Hotel and Spa at the end of his two day official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain and asked the Ambassador Saeed Khan about the persistent problem being faced by the naturalized Pakistanis while travel back home.
“We have already taken up the issue with Nadra and are expecting a meeting to resolve the issue,” Ambassador Saeed told the Prime Minister, however, on the point raised by BCCI Board member Mohammed Sajid Sheikh, Prime Minister issued on spot directives to resolve the issue forthwith.
The naturalized Bahraini citizen face multiple issues including taking a prior visa before travel to Pakistan which costs BD90 per application and most of the people can’t afford to pay such an amount, Sheikh Sajid said.
You consider it is done and there will be no problem whatsoever, the Prime Minister assured the community.
It may be recalled that the same matter was brought into the knowledge of the leadership of Bahrain two months back.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the Speaker of National Assembly of Islamic Republic of Pakistan told community members during his visit that issue of dual nationality between Pakistan and Bahrain will be resolved soon.
Sardar Ayaz, held a successful two-day visit to brotherly Kingdom of Bahrain, said that he was overwhelmed with the hospitality and courtesy accorded to him and his accompanied delegation by the top leadership, officials and members of Pakistan community.
The issue of dual nationality was brought into the knowledge of the Speaker by the Pakistan community leaders during a reception at the Pakistan Club on Saturday evening. The Pakistani naturalized Bahrainis said that they face enormous problems while travel back to Pakistan as they need to fulfill visa and other formalities.
“I have taken up the matter with the top leadership and both sides agreed in principle to resolve it. Now the same matter will be taken up with the Ministries of Interior Bahrain and Pakistan to issue the necessary notifications,” Sardar Ayaz told community members.
The matter will follow-up by the two member committee led by the Deputy Speaker Adel Almoawda and Saeed Khan Pakistan’s Ambassador in Bahrain.
Deputy Speaker Adel Almoawda highlighted the importance of fraternal ties between Pakistan and Bahrain and said the time-tested relations have a special place in the heart of Bahrainis.
“Bahrainis never consider expatriates as strangers in general and Pakistani brethren in specific. We need to further strengthen our ties by utlising all potential of co-operation in all vital areas,” he added.
Almoawda thanked His Majesty the King Hamad, His Royal Highness the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and 1st Deputy Premier Prince Salman bin Hamad for their valuable stances for Pakistani brothers.
Community leader Mohammed Sajid Sheikh urged all Pakistanis to serve the Kingdom diligently, honestly and objectively as part of their duty as well as a token of appreciation towards the leadership and people of Bahrain.
“We are nation of pride and don’t let any shadow cast on your integrity while you are working, living or doing a business in Bahrain,” said, adding that especially those naturalised Bahrainis should become part and parcel of the political process by participating in the upcoming general elections.