Pakistan, US agree to intensify cooperation on security matters

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan and the United States (US) agreed to broaden their cooperation on counter-narcotics and security during a meeting held in Islamabad on Saturday between Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker.

The US diplomat met the minister at his office, where the two sides discussed expanding joint efforts against drug trafficking, strengthening security coordination and tightening measures to deter illegal immigration.

Their conversation centered on boosting intelligence exchange, improving strategies to dismantle drug smuggling networks and enhancing collaborative steps to prevent unlawful migration.

Ambassador Baker assured that the United States would provide Pakistan with full technical support in narcotics control and in identifying and stopping unauthorized border movement.

Reiterating the government’s strict position, Mohsin said Pakistan’s stance on illegal immigration is clear and uncompromising.

He noted that detecting drug couriers at airports remains a major priority, adding that advanced scanning equipment is being installed at major airports across the country.

The interior minister stressed that Pakistan is enforcing a zero-tolerance approach to narcotics. Referring to the regional threat, he pointed out that drugs originating from Afghanistan continue to reach various countries, devastating younger populations.

He welcomed the US offer of technical assistance to enhance Pakistan’s counter-narcotics capability.

The minister informed the envoy that the National Narcotics Coordination Centre would soon be established on the prime minister’s directions to strengthen national coordination.

During the meeting, officials delivered a comprehensive briefing on the Anti-Narcotics Force’s performance and ongoing operations.

Under the current year’s anti-drug campaign, authorities seized 134 tonnes of narcotics, arrested 2,001 suspects — including 75 foreign nationals — and confiscated drugs valued at $12.797 billion.

 Additionally, 110 Afghan nationals were taken into custody in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Sindh, and 40,659 acres of land were cleared to maintain a “poppy-free” status.

Ambassador Baker praised the ANF’s efforts and reaffirmed that the United States values its relationship with Pakistan and intends to maintain cooperation across all fields.

Interior Minister Naqvi said that Pakistan and the US share a meaningful partnership aimed at fostering regional peace and stability and expressed his commitment to strengthening these longstanding bilateral ties.

The meeting was attended by the interior secretary, the DG ANF, the director of enforcement, US Embassy representatives and other senior officials.