ISTANBUL: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Istanbul on Friday for an official visit to Turkiye, where he received a warm welcome. The visit marks a significant step in deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations, focusing on regional security and law enforcement cooperation.
During his visit, Minister Naqvi held a high-level bilateral meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Ali Yerlikaya, at the Turkish Ministry of Interior. Both ministers reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing shared security challenges that impact both countries.
Minister Naqvi briefed his counterpart on the positive outcomes of Pakistan's comprehensive crackdown against the illegal immigration mafia. He highlighted the proactive measures taken by the Pakistani government to dismantle human smuggling networks that have historically exploited vulnerable individuals.
The Turkish interior minister acknowledged these efforts, noting that the rate of illegal immigration from Pakistan to Turkiye has significantly declined from 70 percent to 17 percent. He praised Pakistan's effective measures, describing them as a testament to the strong coordination between the security agencies of both nations.
In a major development, the two ministers signed a formal agreement to enhance cooperation in combating terrorism, narcotics trafficking, and organized crime. This pact is expected to provide a legal framework for intelligence sharing and operational support between the two interior ministries.
Both sides also agreed to establish a 'Joint Working Group' to strengthen institutional ties and ensure the implementation of the signed agreements. This group will serve as a permanent mechanism for regular dialogue and policy alignment.
The meeting further focused on collaboration in specialized sectors, including cyber policing, the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), and the National Police Academy. These areas were identified as critical for modernizing law enforcement capabilities in both countries.
Minister Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan values its historical and brotherly relations with Turkiye and is keen to learn from Turkish expertise in police training and digital surveillance. He invited the Turkish delegation to visit Pakistan to further these discussions.
Both countries agreed to bolster cooperation through technical assistance, expert exchanges, and joint initiatives. The exchange of best practices in border management and forensic science was also discussed as a priority for the coming months.
The visit concluded with a mutual pledge to maintain high-level communication channels to address emerging threats in the region. Both leaders expressed confidence that these initiatives would lead to a safer and more secure environment for the citizens of both Pakistan and Turkiye.