ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker held an important meeting on Saturday, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation in counter-narcotics, security measures, and joint efforts to curb illegal immigration. The discussion signaled a renewed commitment by both Islamabad and Washington to work closely on shared regional challenges.
During the meeting, Pakistan and the United States agreed to strengthen intelligence sharing and collaboration in drug interdiction operations. The acting US ambassador expressed Washington’s willingness to provide full technical assistance to Pakistan’s counter-narcotics agencies and support initiatives aimed at preventing illegal immigration.
Minister Naqvi reiterated that Pakistan maintains a clear and firm policy on illegal immigration, stressing that no leniency will be shown to those attempting to enter other countries through unlawful means. He said the government is prioritising the detection of drug smuggling at airports and is installing advanced scanning technology at all major airports across the country to enhance security and prevent trafficking.
He added that Pakistan is implementing a strict zero-tolerance policy against narcotics. Despite this, he noted that drugs originating from Afghanistan continue to reach multiple countries and pose a serious threat to youth globally. The minister welcomed the US offer of technical support, emphasising that Pakistan is committed to strengthening its institutions. He also announced that the National Narcotics Coordination Centre would soon be established under the prime minister’s directives to unify and streamline counter-narcotics efforts nationwide.
Officials gave a comprehensive briefing on the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF)’s recent achievements. Under the annual counter-narcotics campaign, authorities seized 134 tons of narcotics and arrested 2,001 suspects, including 75 foreign nationals. Drugs worth an estimated 12.797 billion dollars were confiscated. In Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh, 110 Afghan nationals involved in drug-related activities were arrested, and nearly 40,659 acres of land were cleared to help maintain a poppy-free status.
Acting Ambassador Natalie Baker praised the performance of the ANF and reiterated the United States’ commitment to expanding cooperation with Pakistan in counter-narcotics, border security, and intelligence coordination. She said that Washington places high importance on its bilateral relationship with Islamabad.
Minister Naqvi concluded that Pakistan-US relations are essential for promoting regional stability and that Pakistan is fully committed to strengthening long-standing ties. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the federal secretary interior, DG ANF, director enforcement, and representatives from the US Embassy.
