Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan and the United States have agreed to enhance collaboration on counter-narcotics and security issues, following a meeting between Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker in Islamabad on Saturday.
During the meeting at the Interior Ministry, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in combating drug trafficking, intelligence sharing, and preventing illegal immigration. The US envoy offered technical assistance to support Pakistan’s efforts in these areas.
“Our policy on illegal immigration is very clear,” Minister Naqvi said, stressing the government’s firm stance on curbing unauthorized cross-border movement. He also highlighted that detecting drug trafficking at airports is a top priority, with modern scanning machines being installed at all major airports nationwide.
Naqvi reaffirmed Pakistan’s zero-tolerance policy on narcotics, noting that Afghan-origin drugs continue to reach multiple countries and threaten young generations. He welcomed US technical support to enhance Pakistan’s counter-narcotics capabilities and informed the envoy that a National Narcotics Coordination Centre would soon be established under the Prime Minister’s directives.
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Officials also briefed Ambassador Baker on the performance of the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and ongoing operations across the country. This year’s counter-narcotics campaign resulted in the seizure of 134 tonnes of drugs, arrest of 2,001 suspects, including 75 foreigners, and confiscation of narcotics valued at $12.797 billion. In addition, 110 Afghan nationals were apprehended in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh, while 40,659 acres of land were cleared to maintain a “poppy-free” status.
Acting Ambassador Baker praised the ANF’s achievements and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to strengthening relations with Pakistan across all sectors.
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Naqvi underscored that Pakistan and the US share a vital partnership in promoting regional peace and stability. “We are committed to further strengthening our longstanding bilateral ties,” he said.
The meeting was attended by the Federal Interior Secretary, Director General of ANF, Director Enforcement, representatives of the US Embassy, and other senior officials.
