ISLAMABAD — The Federal Government of Somalia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have reached wide-ranging agreements to expand collaboration on internal security, border management, and digital identity infrastructure.
The understandings were reached during an official visit by a high-level delegation led by Somalia’s Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, H.E. Ali Yusuf Ali (Hosh).
Security and Visa Facilitation
During discussions with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the Ministry of Interior on Friday, the two nations agreed to enhance cooperation on training programs, disaster response, and joint counterterrorism initiatives.
Minister Naqvi committed Pakistan’s comprehensive support in policing efforts and announced significant visa facilitations for Somali nationals, specifically those seeking medical care and education in Pakistan.
Minister Ali Yusuf highlighted Somalia’s active efforts against terrorist organizations and expressed optimism that the visit would create new opportunities for collaboration. He also delivered a special message from Somalia’s Prime Minister to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and extended a formal invitation to Minister Naqvi to visit Mogadishu.
Strengthening Digital Identity
In a parallel engagement focused on digital governance, the Somali delegation held strategic meetings with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). The Minister was accompanied by the Director General of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), Mr. Abdiwali Timacadde.
“A reliable national identification system is crucial for effective governance and service delivery,” Minister Ali Yusuf noted, emphasizing that accurate documentation is essential for security and development planning.
NADRA has been instrumental in assisting Somalia to operationalize NIRA, a fundamental element of the country’s efforts to create a unified civil registry. The talks explored opportunities to expand technical support and institutional capacity building to ensure the integrity of Somalia’s National ID system.
