Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik, here on a two-day visit, said Islamabad would facilitate the missions here in helping its citizen meet this deadline. “The Pakistani citizens should have MRPs by this period. It is the need of the hour. Very soon it would be unthinkable to travel abroad without such a passport. So, I appeal to all Pakistanis to apply for their MRPs and avoid any difficulties in their travel plans,” Malik said on Saturday.

“Consul General Abdul Salik Khan informed me about the shortage of staff and resources at the consulate here,” Malik said. “I have promised him that staff and machines will soon be increased threefold to ease the pressure at the consulate.”

The consulate could start mobile MRP units to serve Pakistanis at their doorsteps, Malik said, adding, the consulate officials are in touch with local authorities to get their clearance and approval.

The minister also said that NADRA, which issues ID cards, has been instructed to immediately clear the backlog.

He also urged Pakistanis to use legal banking means to remit money. “Presently, the annual remittance is $2.9 billion. The number of Pakistanis here is around 1.8 million and if all of them send even $300, the remittance should be much more than the current amount. Mostly they use other channels to send money, and this is hurting our economy. So, I appeal to my countrymen to send their remittances through legal means and to contribute in nation-building,” Malik said.

On overstayers, he said that it was a matter of deep concern and embarrassment for the nation that many Umrah pilgrims overstay their visa and cause immense pressure on the consulate. “I have been told that 10,089 Pakistani Umrah pilgrims overstayed in 2010. We are working with the authorities for their quick deportation to Pakistan,” Malik said.

The Pakistan government, meanwhile, was also trying to reach an agreement with the Kingdom on prisoners swap. “Those Pakistanis jailed for petty crimes would be sent back to serve the remaining period in Pakistan with a similar provision for Saudis in Pakistani jails,” Malik said.

Responding to a question about the planned return of former President Pervez Musharraf to Pakistan in March next year, Malik said, “If a warrant of arrest is pending against Musharraf and he lands in Pakistan then I must say that nobody is above law and the law will take its course.”