Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday urged Pakistan to swiftly resolve the Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) problems faced by Pakistani citizens of Bangladeshi origin and their family members on humanitarian grounds.

He raised the issue during a high-level bilateral meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Syed Mohsin Naqvi at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, according to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday.

Salahuddin said many Pakistani citizens of Bangladeshi origin are unable to obtain CNICs because they lack the required family documentation, or "Family Tree," leaving them without access to essential services such as education and healthcare.

Calling for a humanitarian approach, he urged the Pakistani authorities to find a swift and permanent solution to the issue.

Referring to Pakistan's achievements in urban security and the use of modern technology, the home minister said Pakistan's Safe City initiative, implemented in more than 40 major cities, could serve as a valuable model for Bangladesh.

He noted that during a visit to Pakistan in September 2025, the then Senior Secretary of Bangladesh's Ministry of Home Affairs, now the Cabinet Secretary, inspected the Safe City models in Islamabad, Lahore, Multan and Karachi. Drawing on that experience, he said Pakistan could provide technical and strategic assistance to help make Bangladeshi cities safer.

The meeting also focused on a range of issues of mutual interest, including bilateral security cooperation, regional stability, prevention of drug trafficking, modern urban security, strengthening police capacity and the Rohingya crisis.

Salahuddin recalled the Pakistani interior minister's successful visit to Bangladesh in May this year and welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on preventing the illicit trafficking and abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. He said the agreement would play an effective role in safeguarding the borders and societies of both countries.

On bilateral relations, the home minister reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to further strengthening ties with Pakistan on the basis of their shared history, mutual respect, understanding and partnership.

He also welcomed the resumption of Biman Bangladesh Airlines' direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi in January this year after a 14-year suspension, saying the service had opened up new opportunities for people-to-people contact, trade and commerce.

The minister also sought Pakistan's cooperation in providing advanced training for Bangladeshi police officers to further enhance the professionalism and capacity of the Bangladesh Police.

On the Rohingya issue, Salahuddin noted that Bangladesh and Pakistan had previously worked together to address the complex situation involving undocumented Rohingyas residing in Saudi Arabia. He said close consultations and practical cooperation between the two countries would continue to play an important role in addressing future regional and global challenges. He added that Bangladesh expects Pakistan's strong and sustained support in international forums to ensure that Myanmar repatriates its citizens in a swift, safe, dignified and sustainable manner.

Naqvi invited Salahuddin to visit Pakistan. Thanking him for the invitation, the Bangladeshi home minister said he would undertake the visit at a mutually convenient time.