ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States on Saturday agreed to further strengthen cooperation in the areas of security, border management and law enforcement, reaffirming their commitment to expanding bilateral engagement on shared challenges, including counterterrorism, cybercrime and transnational crime.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a high-level US delegation led by US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker. The meeting featured detailed discussions on enhancing bilateral relations and broadening cooperation across multiple security-related domains.
Both sides agreed to further reinforce existing collaboration under the US Anti-Terrorism Assistance Programme and with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), recognising their role in capacity-building and institutional strengthening within Pakistan’s security framework.
During the meeting, the establishment of a crime control centre and an academy within the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), with US support, also came under review. The proposed initiatives aim to modernise investigative practices and enhance professional training standards.
The delegation discussed expanding training programmes for officers of the FIA, the Federal Constabulary and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). It was also agreed that Pakistan’s border security agencies, coastal guards and other relevant institutions would be equipped with modern equipment supplied by the United States to improve surveillance and response capabilities.
Interior Minister Naqvi said the induction of modern technology would significantly enhance the operational capacity of border security agencies and coastal guards. He welcomed US assistance in the reorganisation of the Federal Constabulary and in strengthening the capabilities of the FIA and NCCIA.
Naqvi said US support for activating the FIA’s counterterrorism wing would be particularly beneficial, describing it as a step toward establishing the first federal-level anti-terrorism wing with effective coordination mechanisms with the provinces.
Referring to cybercrime enforcement, the minister said the NCCIA was conducting a nationwide crackdown on illegal call centres. He stressed that advanced software and technical support were essential to combat financial fraud and terror financing, adding that US cooperation with the NCCIA in this area was of critical importance.
The interior minister emphasised the need to further expand institutional collaboration with Pakistani law enforcement agencies to address evolving security threats.
The US delegation, in turn, appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to enhance security cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker acknowledged the ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Interior and US agencies at various levels and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to further deepening its partnership with Pakistan in the areas of security and law enforcement.
