Islamabad (Web Desk): Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday held a meeting with Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Chairman of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) National Anti-Narcotics Authority, at the Ministry of Interior, focusing on expanding cooperation to curb drug trafficking.
Naqvi extended a warm welcome to Sheikh Zayed and his delegation, reiterating that fighting narcotics is one of Pakistan’s foremost priorities.
Both sides engaged in extensive discussions on anti-narcotics initiatives and other areas of shared interest, with an agreement to strengthen bilateral efforts against drug smuggling.
For improved coordination, Pakistan appointed Director General Anti-Narcotics Force Major General Abdul Mueed as its focal person, while the UAE nominated Brigadier Taher Gharib as its representative.
Congratulating Sheikh Zayed on his role as the first chairman of the newly formed UAE authority, Naqvi praised the establishment of the body as an important move toward enhanced regional cooperation.
Naqvi emphasized that the new institution would play a pivotal role in reinforcing Pakistan-UAE collaboration against narcotics.
He assured Sheikh Zayed of Pakistan’s complete support, highlighting that Pakistan has remained on the frontline of this struggle by arresting more than 400 suspects involved in trafficking to the UAE and seizing around five tons of drugs.
The minister credited these outcomes to joint strategies and timely information exchange but warned that the smuggling of synthetic drugs posed an increasing threat. “This is a battle for the future of our generations, and we cannot allow defeat,” he stressed.
Sheikh Zayed, in response, reaffirmed the UAE’s readiness to extend every possible support to Pakistan in anti-narcotics operations, stressing that closer collaboration was vital to ensure a secure future for the coming generations.
The UAE delegation comprised senior counter-narcotics officials from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain, while Pakistan’s representation included Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Federal Interior Secretary, Special and Additional Secretaries, DG Anti-Narcotics Force, and other senior officials.