ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States on Saturday agreed to strengthen cooperation on security, counterterrorism, and border management, following talks between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a high-level US delegation.
The US delegation was led by Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker. The high-level talks focused on expanding collaboration in law enforcement, transnational crime, and cyber security, and reviewed overall Pakistan-US bilateral relations.
Enhanced security cooperation
Both sides agreed to further strengthen existing engagement under the US Anti-Terrorist Assistance (ATA) programme and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
Naqvi highlighted the deployment of advanced software to identify individuals involved in crimes abroad.
Training programmes for officers of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Federal Constabulary, and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) were also reviewed.
Plans to establish a Centre for Transnational Crime and an FIA academy with US support were discussed.
Border management and technology support
The minister agreed to equip border security agencies, coastal guards, and other relevant institutions with modern US-supplied technology.
Naqvi said the use of advanced equipment would significantly enhance operational capacity and support federal and provincial coordination.
He welcomed US assistance in reorganising the Federal Constabulary and strengthening the FIA and NCCIA, including the activation of the FIA’s Counter-Terrorism Wing, described as the country’s first federal-level anti-terrorism unit.
Countering cybercrime and terror financing
Naqvi briefed the delegation on NCCIA’s ongoing nationwide crackdown on illegal call centres.
He said advanced software was vital for preventing financial fraud and terror financing. He called US cooperation in this area “particularly significant”.
The US delegation praised Pakistan’s efforts to enhance security and deepen bilateral ties.
Baker reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to continue working with Pakistan on law enforcement, counterterrorism, and border security at multiple levels.
Pakistan and the United States have maintained long-standing cooperation in counterterrorism and law enforcement.
The latest talks aim to expand collaboration in cybercrime, transnational crime, and federal-provincial coordination, reflecting growing concerns over security and border management challenges in the region.
