ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkiye have agreed to expand joint efforts in counterterrorism and border security to promote regional peace and stability.
The consensus was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin and his Turkish counterpart Ali Yerlikaya in Islamabad on Thursday.
The two sides held extensive discussions covering a wide range of security and law enforcement issues, including counterterrorism, anti-narcotics operations, human trafficking prevention, border security, cybercrime, coast guard collaboration, and police cooperation.
During the meeting, it was agreed to establish a Joint Working Group to further institutionalise cooperation between the two interior ministries. The group will convene four times a year to review progress and identify new areas of collaboration.
Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening joint counterterrorism efforts. Minister Naqvi emphasized that “Pakistan’s security is inseparable from Turkiye’s security,” underscoring the depth of the bilateral partnership. Minister Yerlikaya, in turn, commended Pakistan’s proactive role in combating terrorism and narcotics.
They also agreed to enhance cooperation in immigration management and anti-human trafficking initiatives.
Highlighting that human trafficking and illegal migration are global challenges requiring collective action, Minister Naqvi reiterated Pakistan’s full support for Turkiye in the upcoming Interpol elections and pledged to deepen collaboration in the fight against narcotics.
He said that despite limited resources, Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force has performed commendably, noting that in the past five years, not a single drug trafficking case from Pakistan to Turkiye was reported.
The discussions also focused on expanding police training programs and facilitating the exchange of expertise across multiple sectors.
Minister Yerlikaya highlighted Turkiye’s strong fraternal ties with Pakistan and expressed a commitment to deepening cooperation in all areas, noting that the establishment of the Joint Working Group would further strengthen bilateral relations.
He also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s warm hospitality.
