ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to deepen collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking, Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced Friday.
The agreement followed a meeting in Islamabad between Naqvi and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, chairman of the UAE’s National Anti-Narcotics Authority. The two sides discussed counter-narcotics efforts and other shared concerns.
Both countries committed to enhancing joint operations and intelligence-sharing to curb drug smuggling. Naqvi reaffirmed Pakistan’s role as a frontline state in this fight, stating, “Those involved in this heinous trade are being dealt with an iron hand.”
“The war against drugs is a war for our generations, and in this war, defeat is not an option,” he added.
Sheikh Zayed praised Pakistan’s resolve and pledged “all possible cooperation” to protect future generations from the scourge of narcotics.
The meeting builds on earlier trilateral talks involving Saudi Arabia, addressing issues such as migration, community conduct, and narcotics control. These discussions come amid concerns over Pakistani nationals facing criticism in Gulf countries over issues like begging, harassment, TikTok disturbances, and drug trafficking, challenges that have affected visa access.
In response, the UAE embassy has launched a one-window visa operation aimed at gradually easing restrictions on Pakistani applicants. Officials acknowledge progress but emphasize that further efforts are needed to fully normalize visa policies.
Also present at the meeting were Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, federal secretaries, leadership of the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), and senior officials from the interior ministry. Pakistan has appointed DG ANF Major General Abdul Mueed as its special representative for the partnership, while the UAE nominated Brigadier Tahir Gharib.
