ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has urged member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to adopt a collective approach to addressing regional security challenges, including terrorism, organised crime, drug trafficking, and cybercrime.
Speaking at a special meeting of SCO Ministers of Interior and Public Security in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Friday, he emphasised the need for closer cooperation to ensure a peaceful and secure region.
Naqvi called for enhanced intelligence sharing, joint threat assessments, and stronger measures to counter online extremism. He said coordinated efforts among SCO member states are essential to effectively tackle evolving security threats.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the SCO’s principles, the Interior Minister said the country remains dedicated to the “Shanghai Spirit,” which is based on mutual trust, equality, partnership, and respect for sovereignty.
“SCO member states must consider intensified cooperation on intelligence sharing, joint threat assessments, and countering online extremism,” Naqvi said at the special meeting. “Pakistan is ready to support all its sovereigns.”
Naqvi said cyber terrorism encompasses online recruitment, illicit financing through digital channels, and attacks on critical infrastructure.
Highlighting the growing role of technology in transnational crime, he said disrupting drug trafficking networks, monitoring online platforms, and tracking cryptocurrency transactions require stronger regional coordination and collaborative enforcement mechanisms.
“Border security is critical to regional security,” he said. “We argue for greater SCO cooperation on document fraud detection, watch list coordination, and anti-human trafficking procedures.”
He said that countering terror financing should be a “central priority,” noting that Pakistan has formed its anti-money laundering frameworks.
“But disrupting these networks requires deeper regional cooperation,” he said.
The Pakistani interior minister said Islamabad supports the initiative proposed by Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan to establish new centers to enhance cooperation among SCO member states.
Under the National Action Plan, he said, Pakistan had strengthened intelligence coordination, border management and anti-money laundering measures. “These initiatives have significantly strengthened the country’s capacity to combat terrorism and organised crime.”
On the issue of narcotics trafficking, he warned that the illegal drug trade remained a major source of terror financing. He called for a coordinated joint strategy against drug trafficking networks, online criminal operations and illicit financial flows facilitated through digital currencies.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) comprises ten member states, including Pakistan, China, India, Iran, and Russia. Together, they cover roughly 36 million square kilometers, have a population exceeding 3.4 billion, and account for approximately 25 percent of global GDP.
The SCO aims to strengthen border security, enhance counterterrorism efforts, and foster broader cooperation among its members across various areas of mutual interest.
