DOHA: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has briefed his Qatari counterpart Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani on the regional situation, particularly regarding the ongoing tension between Pakistan and India.
During the meeting the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, bilateral relations, and ways to enhance cooperation in various fields, Pakistan’s official news agency, APP, reported on Monday.
Mohsin Naqvi conveyed Pakistan’s principled stance, stating that the country has always rejected any policy of aggression and has offered an independent and impartial investigation into the Pahalgam incident so that the world can see the facts and identify the real perpetrators.
He added that making baseless and illogical accusations against Pakistan is tantamount to ignoring the country’s immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
Both sides stressed the need for joint efforts to fight organised crime networks and cybercrime. They also agreed on launching training exchange programs for officers from police and law enforcement agencies.
Minister Naqvi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering strong and lasting ties with Qatar across all levels, emphasising that cooperation in drug prevention efforts would be further enhanced.
Qatari Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad underscored Qatar’s dedication to deepening its partnership with Pakistan.
Both nations agreed to designate focal persons to facilitate collaboration in multiple sectors. Sheikh Khalifa also highlighted Qatar’s high regard for its bilateral relations with Pakistan.
The meeting was also attended by Qatar’s Minister of State for Interior Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Mohammed Al Thani, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Qatar Muhammad Aamir, and senior officials from Qatar’s Ministry of Interior.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Qatar today on the second phase of his official trip to the Gulf region.
Earlier on May 4, the Interior Minister arrived in Muscat, Oman on a one-day official visit.
During a meeting with Oman’s Interior Secretary Khalid bin Hilal bin Saud, Naqvi said that Pakistan wanted to increase cooperation with Oman to stop narcotics and human smuggling.
Pahalgam crisis
The tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours escalated after gunmen attacked tourists in the Pahalgam area of occupied Kashmir on 22 April, killing 26 people and injuring 17.
India swiftly blamed Pakistan for the attack without presenting any credible evidence. Pakistan condemned the attack and strongly rejected the Indian government’s baseless accusations.
A day after the Pahalgam incident on 23 April, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security approved measures including the closure of the Wagah-Attari border crossing and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for an independent investigation into the incident.
Islamabad also warned that any attempt by India to stop or divert the Indus River waters would be considered an “act of war”.
