Swiss Foreign Minister Mrs Micheline Calmy-Rey on Saturday announced the closure of visa section of the Swiss embassy in Islamabad following complaints of mal-treatment and harassment of visa applicants and alleged involvement of some of its employees in human-trafficking.
"Switzerland finds itself in a difficult position...as a result of abuse of visa procedure that has been discovered at the (Swiss) embassy in Islamabad," she said while addressing a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri after formal talks here.
The Swiss minister said that the 'criminal activity' has not only damaged her country's interest and goodwill, but also represented an act against those who wanted to go to Switzerland.
"We have been compelled to close down the visa section until further notice," she added. Mrs Calmy-Rey said there was a little doubt that the embassy had been targeted by criminal network engaged in human trafficking, adding: "We are already co-operating and have agreed to further co-operate on the issue."
Kasuri said that at the talks they discussed the complaints of mal-treatment and harassment of visa applicants as well as alleged involvement of some employees of the Swiss Embassy in human trafficking.
"I have stressed the point that rights of genuine travellers from Pakistan must be protected and respected," he added. He thanked the Swiss minister for the co-operation extended to the Pakistan's investigating authorities to bring the facts to fore.
"I underscored the need for continuing co-operation by the Swiss Embassy in Islamabad into the ongoing investigation to bring out all the facts," he added.
Kasuri said both sides agreed that the issue should be resolved in a just, fair and expeditious manner.
"While sustained efforts are underway in Pakistan to eliminate menace of human trafficking, we will take all possible measures to ensure facilitation for visa for genuine travellers," the minister added.
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