NEW YORK: Pakistan and Russia on Wednesday discussed developing a joint strategy against terrorist networks operating in the region, particularly in Afghanistan, reaffirming their commitment to closer security cooperation.
This was discussed during a meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Alexandrovich Kolokoltsev at the United Nations Headquarters.
Naqvi held separate meetings at the United Nations Headquarters with his Russian counterpart Kolokoltsev, Chinese Minister of State for Public Security and Head of the Special Service Bureau Ling Zhifeng, and Sri Lankan Interior Minister Ananda Wijepala.
During the Russia-Pakistan meeting, the two sides agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between their Interior Ministries to institutionalise cooperation on counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, cybercrime and other law enforcement matters.
25 terrorist groups active in Afghanistan
The Pakistan and Pakistani Interior Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations. They held detailed discussions on the prevailing regional situation and ways to enhance mutual cooperation.
The talks covered counter-narcotics, counter-terrorism, cybercrime, and the possibility of conducting joint police exercises.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi invited his Russian counterpart to visit Pakistan. The meeting also reviewed progress on decisions taken during their previous meeting.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohsin Naqvi said that more than 25 terrorist organisations are active in Afghanistan and that eliminating these extremist groups is a collective responsibility. He stressed the need for joint efforts to eradicate this menace.
Pakistan, China to enhance counterterrorism cooperation
During the meeting between Mohsin Naqvi and the Chinese Minister of State for Public Security and Head of the Special Service Bureau Ling Zhifeng, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening strategic partnership and cooperation in counterterrorism.
The Pakistani and Chinese Ministers agreed to expand cooperation on internal security, emphasising enhanced collaboration in border management, combating irregular migration, and counter-narcotics efforts.
وفاقی وزیرداخلہ محسن نقوی کی اقوام متحدہ کے ہیڈ کوارٹر میں چین کے وزیر مملکت داخلہ و سربراہ سپشل سروس بیورو لنگ ژیفینگ سے ملاقات
ملاقات میں انسداد دہشت گردی تعاون اور سٹریٹجک پارنٹر شپ کو مزید مستحکم بنانے کے عزم کا اعادہ pic.twitter.com/ZUJeKjjE84— Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) July 8, 2026
Mohsin Naqvi said there is an urgent need to stop terrorist financing at every level and stressed that countries involved in sponsoring and financing terrorism must be collectively confronted. He further stated that Pakistan seeks to further strengthen security cooperation with China.
Pakistan, China to jointly combat terrorism
The Interior Minister highlighted that Pakistan has established a Special Protection Police Force to ensure the security of Chinese nationals residing and working in the country.
Naqvi also emphasised that people-to-people contacts are essential for strengthening bilateral relations and noted that greater facilitation under the visa regime is necessary.
The Chinese Minister of State for Public Security appreciated Pakistan’s immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and emphasised that both countries should continue working together to combat terrorism. He also stated that visa and immigration-related issues would be reviewed.
Pakistan, Sri Lanka agree to strengthen coordination
Interior Minister and Minister for Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi also met with his Sri Lankan counterpart, Ananda Wijepala. The two sides agreed to strengthen coordination in counter-narcotics efforts and enhance cooperation in police training.
وفاقی وزیر داخلہ و نارکوٹکس کنٹرول محسن نقوی کی اقوام متحدہ کے ہیڈ کوارٹر میں سری لنکن ہم منصب آنند وجے پالا سے ملاقات
ملاقات میں انسداد منشیات کے حوالے سے موثر کوآرڈینیشن پر اتفاقدونوں وزرائے داخلہ کا پولیس ٹریننگ کے لئے باہمی تعاون بڑھانے کا فیصلہ pic.twitter.com/VVtv9sJRW2
— Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) July 8, 2026
Pakistani and Sri Lankan ministers also agreed to increase collaboration to prevent irregular migration and the use of forged passports for international travel. It was decided that the heads of immigration of both countries would establish immediate contact to implement this cooperation.
Both Ministers further discussed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at combating transnational criminal networks and money laundering. They agreed to establish a Joint Working Group to strengthen cooperation between their respective Interior Ministries and also agreed to resolve visa-related issues on a priority basis.
