Pakistan, Russia strengthen cooperation against illegal immigration
Pakistan and Russia have signed an important agreement to strengthen cooperation against illegal immigration during meetings held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) gathering in Kyrgyzstan. The development came as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held separate meetings with the interior ministers of Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan to discuss regional security, migration management, and mutual cooperation.
During his meeting with Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, both countries agreed to enhance collaboration to prevent illegal immigration and improve the repatriation of citizens residing unlawfully in either country. The two sides also signed an agreement to expand cooperation against narcotics and drug trafficking, reflecting their commitment to combating cross-border crime and strengthening law enforcement coordination.
In a separate meeting with Tajik Interior Minister Ramazon Rahimzoda, discussions focused on security challenges linked to Afghanistan. Both ministers expressed concern over terrorist camps and narcotics production in Afghanistan, describing them as serious threats to regional stability.
The officials also noted that several terrorist organizations remain active in Afghanistan, increasing security concerns for neighboring countries. Mohsin Naqvi also met Uzbekistan’s Interior Minister, Major General Aziz Tashpulatov. Both sides discussed cooperation between law enforcement agencies and agreed to establish a joint working group to strengthen coordination and training opportunities.
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During talks with Kyrgyz Interior Minister Niyazbek Olan Omokanov, the two countries agreed to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Naqvi congratulated Kyrgyzstan on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and appreciated its role in hosting the SCO meeting of interior ministers.
During his meeting with Kazakhstan’s Interior Minister, Yerzhan Sadenov, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in preventing illegal immigration and establish a working group between their interior ministries to strengthen bilateral coordination.
The series of meetings highlighted a shared commitment among SCO member states to strengthen cooperation on border security, migration management, counterterrorism efforts, and the fight against drug trafficking. Regional observers believe the agreements could improve information sharing and coordination among participating countries at a time when security and migration challenges continue to affect the region.
