ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Lebanon have agreed to enhance cooperation in the areas of security, counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, prevention of illegal immigration, money laundering, and cybercrime.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Lebanese counterpart Ahmad Al-Hajjar in Islamabad, according to an official statement on Tuesday.
The talks also focused on enhancing collaboration regarding police academies and training programmes. The regional situation and Islamabad’s efforts for lasting peace in the region also came under discussion.
لبنان کے وزیر داخلہ احمد الحجار کی وزارت داخلہ آمد ،وفاقی وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی نے لبنانی ہم منصب کا پر تپاک استقبال کیا
وفاقی وزیرداخلہ محسن نقوی اور لبنانی ہم منصب کی ون آن ون ملاقات، وفود کی سطح پربھی مذاکرات ہوئے pic.twitter.com/C6xXWFsFXf— Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) September 15, 2026
During the delegation-level talks, both sides decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation between the two Interior Ministries.
The two sides also decided to appoint Focal Persons to boost bilateral coordination. It was further decided to fully implement the existing Memorandum of Understanding regarding counter-narcotics efforts.
Strengthening bilateral relations
Both the Interior Ministers reiterated their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations in diverse fields.
The two sides discussed the provision of visa-free entry for diplomatic and official passport holders.
In his remarks, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed the hope that the visit of the Lebanese Interior Minister would open new avenues for cooperation between Pakistan and Lebanon.
In his remarks, the Lebanese Interior Minister thanked Mohsin Naqvi for extending excellent hospitality during his visit to Islamabad. He said Pakistan is a brotherly country of Lebanon and his country is desirous of advancing cooperation with Pakistan in areas of mutual interest, particularly internal security.
The Lebanese Interior Minister said both the countries can benefit from each other’s experiences in different fields.
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accorded a warm welcome to his Lebanese counterpart on arrival at the Interior Ministry. Both the Interior Ministers also held a one-on-one meeting followed by delegation-level talks.
During his meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Monday, Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the security institutions of the two countries.
President Zardari also called for enhanced collaboration in areas including extradition, mutual legal assistance, counter-narcotics efforts, and emergency response.
Pakistan-Lebanon sign MoU on transfer of sentenced persons
Pakistan and Lebanon also signed a separate agreement on Monday establishing a legal framework that allows convicted nationals to serve the remainder of their prison sentences in their respective home countries.
The agreement was signed by Al-Hajjar and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
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Pakistan and Lebanon have long enjoyed cordial relations, with security and diplomatic engagements between the two countries becoming increasingly frequent this year.
In June, Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Rodolphe Haykal visited Pakistan, where he held talks with Field Marshal Asim Munir on regional security, defence cooperation, and efforts to further strengthen military ties, including training programs and institutional linkages.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif and Minister Al-Hajjar reviewed bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation between Pakistan and Lebanon, particularly in the areas of interior and security affairs.
Prime Minister Sharif also strongly condemned Israel’s aggression against Lebanon and reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
The Lebanese Interior Minister arrived in Islamabad on Monday on a two-day official visit to hold talks with Pakistani leadership aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation between the two countries.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry received the Lebanese Interior Minister upon his arrival at Islamabad International Airport.
