Pakistan and Lebanon pledge closer security and intelligence cooperation

Pakistan and Lebanon agreed on Tuesday to deepen intelligence sharing and security cooperation, part of a broader push against terrorism, drug trafficking and other cross border crime.

Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Al Hajjar met his Pakistani counterpart Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad, where the two discussed counter terrorism efforts, drug trafficking, illegal immigration, money laundering and cybercrime, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior. The ministers first held a one on one meeting, then moved into delegation level talks that focused on internal security and other shared priorities.

Both sides also explored ways to expand ties between their police academies and training programs so each country can draw on the other’s expertise. A ministry statement said the two ministers exchanged views on regional developments and on Pakistan’s efforts to support lasting peace in the area.

The two governments agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding soon to strengthen coordination between their interior ministries, and they plan to name focal persons to keep communication running smoothly between the two countries. They also committed to fully carrying out an existing counter narcotics agreement and reaffirmed their intent to build stronger bilateral ties overall.

Officials from both sides discussed offering visa free entry to diplomatic and official passport holders as another step toward closer ties.

Naqvi told his Lebanese counterpart, “Hope your visit will open new avenues of cooperation between the two countries.” Al Hajjar thanked Pakistan for its hospitality, called the country a brotherly nation and said Lebanon wants to build on the relationship, particularly in internal security matters. He added that both nations stand to gain from sharing their respective experiences.

Senior Pakistani officials joined the meeting, including Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the interior secretary, the chairman of NADRA, the director general of the Federal Investigation Agency, the director general of the Anti Narcotics Force, the inspector general of the Federal Constabulary, the national coordinator of NACTA, the director general of passports and immigration, the chief commissioner of Islamabad, the inspector general of Islamabad police and the director general of the National Forensic Agency, along with other senior officials.

Al Hajjar arrived in Islamabad a day earlier for a two day official visit at Naqvi’s invitation. During his stay he also visited the Pakistan Monument, where the Federal Constabulary gave him a ceremonial salute, and toured the Islamabad Police Lines.

The visit fits into a wider pattern of Pakistan expanding security partnerships with Middle Eastern and Gulf states in recent years, as Islamabad looks to widen its counter terrorism network and strengthen ties beyond its traditional regional partners.