Pakistan, Russia agree to boost cooperation on curbing illegal immigration, drug trafficking

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Kolokoltsev signed agreements on Saturday to strengthen cooperation against illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

The deals were reached on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting of interior ministers in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

What did Pakistan and Russia agree to at the SCO meeting?

The two sides signed agreements to coordinate on preventing illegal immigration and facilitating the repatriation of nationals.

They also committed to expanding joint efforts to combat narcotics and disrupt drug trafficking networks. The agreements were reached during the SCO special meeting of interior and public security ministers in Bishkek.

What other bilateral meetings did Naqvi hold in Bishkek?

On the sidelines of the SCO gathering, Naqvi held a series of bilateral meetings with interior ministers from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Iran. During talks with Tajik Interior Minister Rahimzoda Ramazon Hamro, both sides raised concerns over militant activity in neighboring Afghanistan, describing it as a regional security threat.

They noted the continued presence of multiple armed groups operating inside the country and its role in illicit drug production.

In a separate meeting with Uzbek Interior Minister Aziz Tashpulatov, both countries discussed enhanced law enforcement cooperation, including joint training programs. They agreed to establish a working group to institutionalise coordination between their interior ministries. Naqvi also met Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, with discussions focusing on bilateral ties and evolving regional security dynamics.