Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker.
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and the United States agreed on Saturday to enhance bilateral security collaboration 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’Affaires Natalie Baker.
The meeting included in-depth deliberation on how to boost Pakistan-US relations and expand cooperation in areas of shared interest.
It was mutually agreed to further strengthen existing cooperation with the Counter-Terrorism Assistance Program and the Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
During the meeting, the Home Secretary said advanced software would be used to identify people involved in crimes abroad.
The delegation also discussed training programs for officers of the FIA, the Federal Police and the Cyber Crime Agency.
Issues relating 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 improve the capacity of border security agencies and coast guards.
He welcomed US assistance in reorganizing the Federal Police and strengthening the capabilities of the FIA and NCCIA.
The Interior Minister added that US support to activate the FIA Anti-Terrorism Wing would prove very beneficial, making it the first federal anti-terrorist wing with effective coordination with the provinces.
Naqvi said the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) is carrying out an extensive campaign against illegal call centers across the country.
He noted that advanced software is vital to preventing financial fraud and terrorist financing, and the United States’ cooperation with the NCCIA in this regard is very significant.
The minister emphasized 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 ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Interior and US agencies at various levels and reaffirmed that efforts would continue to further enhance 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 Crime Investigation Agency, DG Passports and Immigration, IG Islamabad Police and senior officials were also present on the occasion.
