ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to enhance cooperation in the fight against narcotics following high-level talks in Islamabad on Thursday.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE’s newly established National Anti-Narcotics Authority, at the Ministry of Interior to discuss strategies for countering drug trafficking and strengthening bilateral coordination.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their resolve to expand collaboration in combating drug smuggling. Pakistan appointed DG Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Major General Abdul Mueed as its focal person, while the UAE designated Brigadier Taher Gharib as its special representative for joint efforts.
Naqvi welcomed Sheikh Zayed and praised the formation of the UAE’s National Anti-Narcotics Authority as a significant step toward regional cooperation. He highlighted Pakistan’s frontline role in anti-narcotics operations, noting that more than 400 suspects involved in trafficking to the UAE had been arrested and five tons of narcotics seized through joint efforts and intelligence sharing.
“This is a war for the future of our generations, and defeat is not an option,” Naqvi said, warning of a rise in synthetic drug smuggling.
Sheikh Zayed assured Pakistan of the UAE’s full support in anti-narcotics operations, stressing the importance of stronger collaboration to secure future generations.
The meeting was attended by senior anti-narcotics officials from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain, while Pakistani representatives included Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Federal Interior Secretary, Special and Additional Secretaries, the DG ANF, and other senior officials.
