Islamabad (TDI): Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday held a high-level meeting with Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Chairman of the United Arab Emirates’ newly established National Anti-Narcotics Authority, to discuss enhanced collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking.
Welcoming Sheikh Zayed and his delegation at the Ministry of Interior, Minister Naqvi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to combating narcotics as a top national priority. The two sides held detailed discussions on joint strategies to curb drug smuggling and agreed to strengthen mechanisms for information sharing and coordinated operations.
To streamline communication, Pakistan appointed DG Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Major General Abdul Mueed as its focal person, while the UAE named Brigadier Taher Gharib as its special representative. Naqvi praised Sheikh Zayed on assuming leadership of the UAE’s National Anti-Narcotics Authority, describing the initiative as a milestone for advancing regional cooperation.
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“The establishment of this authority will significantly boost joint efforts between Pakistan and the UAE in combating narcotics,” Naqvi said. He emphasized Pakistan’s frontline role in the global war on drugs, noting that over 400 suspects involved in trafficking to the UAE had been arrested, with five tons of narcotics seized in recent operations. He cautioned, however, about the rising threat of synthetic drugs. “This is a war for the future of our generations, and defeat is not an option,” he added.
Sheikh Zayed reaffirmed the UAE’s readiness to extend full cooperation, stressing that stronger bilateral coordination was essential to protect future generations from the scourge of drugs.
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The UAE delegation included senior anti-narcotics officials from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. On the Pakistani side, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Interior Secretary, Special and Additional Secretaries, DG ANF, and other senior officials attended the meeting.
