Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker on Saturday to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in counter-narcotics, intelligence sharing, and security measures.

Both officials emphasized joint efforts to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking. During the meeting, Minister Naqvi highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling, saying that drugs from Afghanistan continue to affect the youth globally.

He welcomed the United States’ offer of technical assistance to strengthen Pakistan’s counter-narcotics initiatives.

The Interior Ministry also briefed the Ambassador on the performanceof the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), reporting that 134 tons of drugs were seized this year and 2,001 suspects, including 75 foreigners, were arrested.

Operations covered multiple provinces, with 110 Afghan nationals apprehended in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh, and 40,659 acres of land cleared of drug cultivation.
The total estimated value of seized drugs reached $12.797 billion.

Measures against illegal immigration

The meeting also focused on preventing illegal immigration. Naqvi emphasized Pakistan’s clear policy on the matter and noted that the latest scanning machines are being installed at all airports to strengthen border security.

Both officials agreed to enhance joint measures and intelligence sharing to prevent unauthorized movement and illegal entry into Pakistan and beyond.

Ambassador Baker praised the ANF’s performance and reaffirmed the US commitment to provide all possible technical assistance in counter-narcotics and illegal immigration.

Minister Naqvi underscored that Pak-US relations are crucial for regional peace and stability, expressing determination to further strengthen long-standing bilateral ties.