Mohsin Naqvi, Lebanese Interior Minister agree to expand security, law enforcement cooperation

ISLAMABAD, Sep 15 (APP):Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar held detailed talks in Islamabad on strengthening cooperation in security, counterterrorism, anti-narcotics efforts, immigration management and cybercrime prevention, as both sides agreed to enhance coordination between their interior ministries.

Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar arrived at Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior, where he was received by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The two ministers first held a one-on-one meeting, followed by delegation-level talks attended by senior officials from both countries.

During the discussions, the two sides reviewed ways to expand cooperation in security-related fields, including counterterrorism, anti-narcotics operations, efforts against illegal immigration, anti-money laundering measures and cybercrime prevention. They also discussed strengthening collaboration between police academies and training institutions through joint programmes and professional exchanges.

The meeting included an exchange of views on the regional situation and Pakistan’s efforts for sustainable peace in the region. Both ministers emphasized the importance of closer coordination to address shared security challenges and improve cooperation between relevant institutions.

Pakistan and Lebanon agreed to move forward with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between their interior ministries to promote mutual cooperation. The two sides also decided to appoint focal persons to improve bilateral coordination and facilitate communication between concerned departments.

The ministers agreed on intelligence sharing to support efforts against terrorist groups, drug trafficking networks and other security threats. They also decided to ensure full implementation of the existing Memorandum of Understanding in the field of narcotics control.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The meeting also included discussions on providing visa-free entry facilities for holders of diplomatic and official passports of both countries.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohsin Naqvi expressed hope that the Lebanese minister’s visit would open new avenues of cooperation and further strengthen ties between the two countries.

Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar thanked Pakistan for the hospitality extended to him during his visit. He described Pakistan as a brotherly country and said Lebanon was keen to advance cooperation in areas of shared interest, particularly internal security.

He said both countries could benefit from each other’s experiences and expertise in addressing common challenges.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Federal Interior Secretary, the Chairman of NADRA, the Director General of FIA, the Director General of ANF, the Inspector General of Federal Constabulary, the National Coordinator of NACTA, the Director General of Passports and Immigration, the Chief Commissioner Islamabad, the Inspector General of Islamabad Police, the Director General of the National Forensic Agency, special secretaries, additional secretaries and other senior officials attended the meeting.