Naqvi cherishes strategic partnership with Riyadh

Riyadh: Federal Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi visiting Saudi Anti-Narcotics Headquarters, here on Monday. –Agencies

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, Mohsin Naqvi, visited the Saudi Anti-Narcotics Headquarters, where he was warmly received by Major General Muhammad Al-Qarni, Director General of Saudi Anti-Narcotics, on Monday.
During the visit, both sides held detailed discussions on enhancing collaboration to combat drug trafficking. They agreed to take more effective measures under bilateral cooperation and discussed strategies to tackle the growing global challenge of narcotics.
Saudi Arabia offered to assist Pakistan with advanced drug detection equipment, reflecting its commitment to shared goals.
Minister Naqvi toured the headquarters, observing the control room and other departments, and received a comprehensive briefing on Saudi Arabia’s anti-narcotics initiatives. He extended an invitation to Major General Al-Qarni to visit Pakistan for further dialogue and cooperation.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the need for joint efforts, stating, “No country can tackle the menace of drugs alone; it has become a shared global challenge. Pakistan will continue its cooperation with Saudi Arabia to create a drug-free environment for future generations.”
The briefing also highlighted ongoing coordination between Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Narcotics Department and Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), including the recent arrest of two drug suspects in Pakistan based on Saudi intelligence.
Earlier, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to activate the joint task force at the earliest for public security, the Interior Ministry.
The development came during Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s visit to Safe City Centre of Saudi Arabia and Public Security Police Headquarters in Riyadh today where he was welcomed by Head Public Security Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Bassami. Naqvi took a round of various departments of state-of-the-art Public Security Headquarters. While reviewing the system equipped with modern technology to prevent crimes, he appreciated the system of controlling crimes and traffic accidents through the use of modern technology.
During his meeting with Al-Bassami, the minister said that he was happy to see the excellent public security system of Saudi Arabia.
He further said that both sides can benefit from the experience of each other through enhancing cooperation in the field of police training. He highlighted that Pakistan is establishing a Special Protection Unit for the protection of diplomats.
The minister was given a special briefing at the Public Security Headquarters. It was apprised in the briefing that a system has been developed to control crimes and traffic accidents through artificial intelligence.
Meanwhile, Naqvi also held a metting with Saudi Minister of State for Interior Dr Khalid Mohammed Abdullah Al Battal wherein matters of mutual interest and Pak-Saudi relations were discussed.
During the meeting, Battal said that the two countries enjoy “very close and cordial relations”. He expressed hope that ties between the countries would be further enhanced after Naqvi’s meetings with Saudi officials.
Moreover, Naqvi felicitated the Saudi leadership and the people on being awarded the hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup and expressed good wishes for the event.
The interior minister said Saudi Arabia has always shown immense love and sincerity towards Pakistan. He also appreciated Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s vision of 2030 which paves the way for achieving progress and prosperity.