ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday underlined the need for strengthening global cooperation, fostering bilateral relations and formulating joint cross-border strategies to tackle drug trafficking.

Speaking at the Pak-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Anti-Narcotics Conference here he termed the event a historic initiative aimed at enhancing international collaboration to jointly handle the global threat.

He emphasised that this conference marks significant progress toward a drug-free world and a safer future. Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force is playing a pivotal role in eradicating drugs alongside international partners.

The minister said: “Today, we are not just representatives of our states, but front-line soldiers on a global front, united in the fight against narcotics.”

Mosin Naqvi added that the presence of delegations from the Gulf countries is a testament to our shared commitment. He stressed the need to further strengthen the cooperation, exchange intelligence, and develop effective strategies to prevent drug trafficking and abuse. “We will ensure a safe future for our youth and societies,” he said.

He made it clear that Pakistan is fully prepared to expand cooperation with Gulf states in every area of anti-narcotics efforts. “We aim to promote collaboration in intelligence sharing, joint training, real-time communication, and forensic and technical cooperation. The support and partnership of Gulf countries will be key to our success,” he said.

For the first time in history, Pakistan hosted the Pak-Gulf Cooperation Council Anti-Narcotics International Conference.

Representatives and heads of anti-narcotics departments of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait as well as Italy are participating in the conference.

The participants unanimously agreed on the need for a joint strategy and collective measures to combat narcotics.

Director General of ANF Pakistan, Major General Abdul Muyeed also spoke on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2025