Federal Minister of Interior Mohsin Naqvi met with US Charge d’affaires Natalie Baker
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and the United States on Saturday agreed to strengthen their collaboration on bilateral security and border management.
This was decided during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a high-level US delegation led by US Charge d’Affairs Natalie Baker.
The meeting featured in-depth deliberations on strengthening Pakistan-US relations and expanding cooperation in areas of common interest.
It was mutually agreed to further strengthen existing cooperation with the Counterterrorism Assistance Program and the International Bureau of Narcotics and Law Enforcement.
During the meeting, the interior minister said advanced software would be used to identify individuals involved in crimes abroad.
The delegation also discussed training programs for officers of the FIA, Federal Police and Cybercrime Agency.
Issues related to the creation of a crime transformation center and an academy within the FIA with the support of the United States were also discussed.
It was agreed to equip border security agencies, coast guards and other institutions with modern equipment supplied by the United States.
The Home Secretary said modern technology would enhance the capacity of border security agencies and the coastguard.
He welcomed American assistance in reorganizing the federal police and strengthening the capacities of the FIA and the NCCIA.
The Interior Minister added that US support for the activation of the FIA counter-terrorism wing would prove very beneficial, making it the first federal counter-terrorism wing with effective coordination with the provinces.
Naqvi said the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) was carrying out a massive crackdown on illegal call centers across the country.
He stressed that advanced software is essential to prevent financial fraud and terrorist financing, and that the United States’ cooperation with the NCCIA in this regard is very important.
The minister stressed the need to further expand collaboration with Pakistani institutions. The US delegation appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to increase security cooperation and strengthen bilateral relations.
The Acting US Ambassador acknowledged the continued collaboration between the Ministry of Interior and US agencies at different levels and reiterated that efforts would continue to further strengthen the partnership with Pakistan.
Minister of State for Home Talal Chaudhry, Federal Secretary Home, DG FIA, Commander Federal Police, Additional Secretary Home, DG National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency, DG Passport and Immigration, IG Islamabad Police and senior officials were also present on the occasion.
