Islamabad, 08 April, 2024 (GNP): Norway has made a noteworthy decision to eliminate Pakistan from its National Threat Assessment list.
The NTA, issued by the Norwegian Police and Security Service, is a vital document that assesses countries posing potential security threats to Norway. These threats include activities like intelligence sabotage, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, and extremism.
The annual unveiling of the NTA carries significant weight within Norway’s policymaking circles, guiding diplomatic approaches and even impacting decisions related to visa allocation.
Pakistan’s prior listing in the NTA, dating back several years, presented numerous hurdles for Pakistani citizens applying for visas to Norway. This inclusion created barriers for students, researchers, and others endeavoring to engage in academic and professional pursuits, essentially imposing an unofficial ban.
The 2022 NTA report pinpointed concerns surrounding countries like Russia, China, Iran, and Pakistan, suggesting that entities linked to these nations would pose significant challenges to Norway’s security environment.
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Illegal arms acquisition emerged as a significant issue specifically associated with Pakistan, reaffirming its position within the threat assessment.
This evaluation persisted in the 2023 report, with Pakistan remaining in the list of countries meriting scrutiny due to security worries.
Nevertheless, Norway’s choice to exclude Pakistan from the 2024 NTA represents a notable shift from past assessments and policies.
This significant decision reflects the evolving diplomatic relations between Norway and Pakistan, marking a positive step towards mutual trust and cooperation.
By removing Pakistan from the National Threat Assessment list, Norway acknowledges the progress made by Pakistan in addressing security concerns and fostering stability in the region.
Moreover, the removal of Pakistan from the list is likely to have ripple effects beyond bilateral relations, potentially influencing other countries’ perceptions of Pakistan and opening up new avenues for collaboration in various fields, including trade, education, and culture.