ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States on Saturday decided to take joint action against fraudulent visa networks under comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The decision came during a meeting between US Charge de’ Affaires Natalie Baker and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. According to a handout by the interior ministry, a detailed discussion was held on Pakistan–US relations and increasing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Talks were also held on preventing illegal immigration and the effectiveness of the pre-immigration clearance system, the statement said.

It added that an agreement was reached on increasing cooperation between law enforcement agencies, with a particular focus on police training.

“The meeting decided that joint action will be taken against false and fraudulent visa networks under comprehensive SOPs,” the handout stated.

Naqvi was quoted as saying that a zero-tolerance policy had been adopted against the “agent mafia” and welcomed cooperation with Washington in this sector.

“I am personally supervising action against fraudulent visa networks,” he stated. He said security features had been added to passports using modern technology, making the travel document “foolproof”.

The interior minister noted that illegal immigration had become a serious issue and acknowledged Washington’s full-scale crackdown against those who enter the US illegally.

“Due to the government’s effective measures, there has been a 47 per cent drop in illegal immigration,” Naqvi said.

There will be no leniency for the elements involved in fraudulent documentation networks, he said.

Meanwhile, Baker was quoted as saying that the US attached “special importance” its relationship with Pakistan.

“Our priorities are aligned and promoting mutual cooperation will further strengthen relations,” she was quoted as saying.