Pakistan and Sudan to Sign Cybercrime Cooperation Agreement
Interior ministers finalize plans for security, police training, and digital registration collaboration.
1Formalizing Security Ties
Pakistan and Sudan have officially decided to sign a memorandum of understanding to bolster cooperation against cybercrime. This agreement was reached during high-level delegation talks in Islamabad between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Sudanese counterpart, Lt Gen Babiker Samra Mustafa Ali. The meeting marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations.
2Expanding Institutional Collaboration
Beyond cybercrime, the two nations agreed to broaden their partnership across several critical sectors. This includes internal affairs, police training, and institutional cooperation. Both sides aim to leverage shared expertise to improve security frameworks, with Pakistan offering professional training programs for Sudanese police officers to enhance their operational capabilities and law enforcement standards.
3Leveraging Nadra Expertise
Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority, known as Nadra, plays a central role in this partnership. The authority has already facilitated the issuance of 36 million citizenship cards, 9 million national identity cards, 18 million birth certificates, and 500,000 death certificates in Sudan. Both countries intend to continue this vital civil registration cooperation.
4Addressing Visa and Residency
During the discussions, Minister Naqvi addressed specific administrative challenges faced by Sudanese citizens currently residing in Pakistan. He issued immediate orders to resolve visa issues affecting married Sudanese women. This move reflects a broader commitment to easing bureaucratic hurdles for Sudanese nationals while maintaining strong diplomatic ties between the two brotherly nations.
5Healthcare and Humanitarian Support
Pakistan has pledged to provide Sudanese citizens with access to medical facilities within its borders. Minister Naqvi emphasized that Sudan would receive every possible facility in the health sector. This humanitarian gesture underscores the depth of the bilateral relationship, as Sudan seeks to benefit from Pakistan’s established infrastructure and professional medical resources.
6Diplomatic Engagement Schedule
The Sudanese interior minister’s visit included a series of high-level meetings across the Pakistani government. Before the interior ministry talks, he met with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. These discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and restoring peace and security within the Sudanese territory.
7Strategic Regional Alignment
Sudan places significant importance on its cooperation with Pakistan across all fields, viewing it as a key partner. The Sudanese delegation expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s consistent support on international forums regarding peace efforts in Sudan. This alignment suggests a long-term strategy to integrate security and administrative practices between the two nations.
8Future Cooperation Outlook
The upcoming memorandum of understanding serves as a framework for sustained engagement rather than a singular event. By focusing on digital security, civil registration, and police training, both countries are building a foundation for institutional resilience. Future progress will depend on the effective implementation of these training programs and the continued digital support.
Original article: Dawn — Pakistan and Sudan to Sign Cybercrime Cooperation Agreement