Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan and Bahrain on Wednesday agreed to deepen cooperation in security and law enforcement, pledging closer collaboration on counter-narcotics, counter-terrorism, immigration, and border management.
The understanding was reached during talks between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Bahrain’s Interior Minister, Lieutenant General Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, who led a delegation to Islamabad.
Both sides decided to establish a Joint Working Group to advance cooperation in areas including coast guard operations, police training, extradition, and mutual legal assistance. They also agreed to finalize a set of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering extradition procedures, specialized battalion training, and judicial cooperation.
Underscoring Pakistan’s resolve to combat drug trafficking, Minister Naqvi said, “Cooperation in counter-narcotics is of utmost importance, it concerns the future of our coming generations.” He noted that Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) had achieved a record-breaking $146 million recovery despite limited resources, and welcomed Bahrain’s decision to appoint a Drug Liaison Officer at its embassy in Islamabad.
Read More: Bahrain Expo Highlights Pakistan’s Tourism, Trade Prospects
Highlighting the contribution of the over 120,000 Pakistanis residing in Bahrain, Naqvi said they were playing a vital role in strengthening bilateral ties and the development of both nations.
For his part, Bahrain’s Interior Minister reaffirmed Manama’s commitment to stronger ties with Pakistan, saying, “Bahrain attaches great importance to its brotherly relations with Pakistan and seeks to advance cooperation in all sectors.” He said the Joint Working Group and MoUs would inject “fresh momentum” into bilateral relations.
Read More: Pakistan, Bahrain Vow Stronger Media Ties
The talks were attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, senior officials from Pakistan’s Interior Ministry, the Director General of ANF, the Commandant of the National Police Academy, and Islamabad’s Chief Commissioner and Inspector General, along with members of the Bahraini delegation.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
