Security, immigration: Pakistan, US agree to intensify cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States have agreed to intensify cooperation on counter-narcotics and security matters, following a meeting in Islamabad on Saturday between Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker.

Natalie Baker, met Minister Mohsin Naqvi in the ministry, with both sides discussing ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in counter-narcotics, security, and the prevention of illegal immigration. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration in intelligence sharing, curbing drug trafficking, and expanding joint measures to stop illegal migration. The US envoy offered full technical assistance to Pakistan in combating narcotics and preventing unauthorized cross-border movement.

“Our policy on illegal immigration is very clear,” Naqvi stated, emphasizing the government’s firm stance on the issue.

He said the identification of drug trafficking cases at airports remains a top priority, adding that state-of-the-art scanning machines are being installed at all major airports across the country. Naqvi reaffirmed that Pakistan is strictly implementing a zero-tolerance policy against narcotics. “Even today, drugs originating from Afghanistan are reaching dozens of countries and destroying young generations,” he noted, welcoming US technical support to bolster Pakistan’s counter-narcotics capabilities.

The interior minister informed the envoy that, on the prime minister’s directive, the National Narcotics Coordination Centre would be established soon.

During the meeting, officials presented a detailed briefing on the performance of the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and ongoing nationwide operations. Under this year’s annual counter-narcotics campaign, 134 tonnes of drugs were seized, 2,001 suspects — including 75 foreigners — were arrested, and narcotics worth $12.797 billion were confiscated. Additionally, 110 Afghan nationals were arrested in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh, while 40,659 acres of land were cleared to maintain “poppy-free” status.

Acting Ambassador Baker praised ANF’s performance and reiterated that the United States attaches special importance to its relations with Pakistan and will continue cooperation across all sectors.