Pakistan and Russia have signed landmark agreements to strengthen cooperation against illegal immigration and narcotics trafficking during high-level talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting. The development is significant because it expands regional security coordination amid growing concerns over cross-border crime and terrorism. The agreements affect law enforcement agencies and security institutions across both countries and the wider region.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev and signed multiple accords aimed at enhancing bilateral security cooperation. The agreements focus on curbing illegal immigration, improving coordination for the repatriation of citizens residing illegally in both countries, and strengthening joint efforts against narcotics trafficking and drug-related crimes. Officials described the pacts as a significant step toward deeper institutional collaboration between Islamabad and Moscow.
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During a separate meeting with Tajik Interior Minister Ramazon Rahimzoda, both sides discussed regional security challenges and expressed concern over terrorism and drug trafficking originating from Afghanistan. The ministers highlighted reports that around 25 terrorist organisations are operating from Afghan territory. They warned that terrorist training camps and rising narcotics production continue to pose serious threats to regional peace and stability.
Naqvi also held talks with Uzbekistan’s Interior Minister Aziz Tashpulatov, where both sides agreed to enhance intelligence sharing and launch joint training programmes. The two countries decided to establish a dedicated working group to improve cooperation between their law enforcement agencies. Similar discussions took place with Kyrgyz Interior Minister Niiazbekov Ulan Omukanovich, focusing on expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
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In meetings with Kazakhstan’s Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov, both countries agreed to intensify efforts against illegal immigration and create a formal mechanism for sustained cooperation. The series of bilateral engagements reflected Pakistan’s broader push to strengthen regional security partnerships through the SCO framework. Officials said the newly established working groups are expected to provide a foundation for long-term coordination on security, migration, and counter-narcotics initiatives.