BISHKEK: Pakistan and Russia signed new agreements on Saturday to improve cooperation against illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
The agreements were signed during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev on the sidelines of a regional conference in Bishkek, according to reports.
Naqvi is attending a meeting of interior and public security ministers from member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). During the event, he also held separate meetings with the interior ministers of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. The talks focused on regional security, counter-terrorism efforts, law enforcement cooperation, and challenges linked to Afghanistan.
During the meeting with the Russian minister, both countries agreed to work more closely to stop illegal immigration. They also agreed to make the return of citizens to their home countries easier. In addition, Pakistan and Russia signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation against drug smuggling and narcotics related crimes.
محسن نقوی/ 5 وزرائے داخلہ سے ملاقاتیں وفاقی وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی سے روس۔ تاجکستان۔ ازبکستان۔ کرغزستان اور قازقستان کے وزرائے داخلہ کی الگ الگ ملاقاتیں وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی اور روسی ہم منصب ولادیمیر کولوکولٹسیف کی ملاقات میں اہم معاہدوں پر دستخط pic.twitter.com/JL8c2d9pkI
— Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) June 6, 2026
In talks with Tajik Interior Minister Ramazon Rahimzoda, both sides discussed security threats coming from Afghanistan. The discussion focused on terrorist camps and the production of illegal drugs.
Naqvi said the presence of terrorist camps in Afghanistan remained a serious concern for regional security. Other ministers noted that around 25 militant groups were currently active in the country.
Naqvi also met Uzbek Interior Minister Aziz Tashpulatov. Both sides discussed stronger cooperation between law enforcement agencies. They also agreed to expand joint training programmes for security officials.
In a separate meeting, Naqvi and Kyrgyz Interior Minister Ulan Niyazbekov agreed to increase cooperation in areas of shared interest. Naqvi also congratulated Kyrgyzstan on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (USC).
Later, Naqvi met Kazakhstan’s Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov. The two countries agreed to strengthen efforts against illegal immigration. They also decided to create a joint working group between their interior ministries to improve cooperation and coordination.
