Pakistan, Turkey mulling dual nationality agreement

Turkey has proposed Pakistan to sign an agreement to provide dual nationality to its citizens, said a press release issued on Wednesday.

The offer was made by Turkey’s Ambassador to Pakistan Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul in a meeting with Interior Minister Brigadier (retired) Ijaz Ahmad Shah in Islamabad.

The Turkish envoy was informed by Ijaz Shah that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is considering a draft and was in touch with the interior ministry. The minister assured the envoy that they would soon reach to “a mutual conclusion”.

To which the Ambassador added that we hope that the process can be expedited and the final results can be achieved soon.

In the meeting, Shah welcomed the initiative of introducing a patrolling force in collaboration with the Islamabad Police on the model of Dolphin force introduced in Lahore. Both also mutually agreed on the continuity of the training programs being held to improve the capacity of the work force.

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Mustafa informed Shah that the Turkish president is scheduled to visit Pakistan soon. The minister while welcoming the visit assured the envoy that the people of Pakistan and the government will “warmly welcome the Turkish leader”.

The envoy said that the under-construction Turkish counsulate in Karachi would be the largest one in the world by Turkey.

“It was heartening to know this and we will provide any assistance required from our end to ensure timely operation of the building,” said Shah.

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The minister also condoled over the loss of life in the recent earthquake in Turkey and sent best wishes for rehabilitation.

“We have a lot to learn from Pakistan and we appreciate the cooperation extended to us,” said the Turkish Ambassador.