US, Pakistan Boost Security Cooperation against Afghan Drug Threat

DID Press: Pakistan and US emphasized strengthening security and migration cooperation during a joint meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker. “Even today, narcotics originating from Afghanistan reach dozens of countries and destroy young generations,” Naqvi stressed, highlighting the need for broader collaboration.

According to Pakistani media, Baker reaffirmed U.S. readiness to provide technical assistance in combating narcotics and controlling illegal migration. Both sides also discussed enhancing intelligence-sharing and coordination.

Naqvi noted that identifying drug trafficking networks at airports remains a top priority for Islamabad and announced the establishment of a “National Coordination Center for Drug Control” under the Prime Minister’s directive.

During the meeting, officials reported that in the annual anti-narcotics program, 134 tons of drugs were seized, 2,001 suspects—including 75 foreign nationals—were arrested, and shipments worth $12.797 billion were confiscated. In Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh provinces, 110 Afghan nationals were detained, and 40,659 acres of land were cleared to maintain a “poppy-free” status.

Baker praised Pakistan ANF’s efforts and emphasized the continuation of Washington-Islamabad cooperation across all areas. Reports indicate that, following Afghanistan’s poppy cultivation ban, narcotics production has significantly increased within Pakistan.