Pakistan reaffirms commitment to ‘Shanghai spirit’ at SCO interior ministers’ meeting

He called for more effective cooperation under the SCO’s Regional Anti‑Terrorist Structure, particularly in intelligence sharing, joint threat analysis and countering online radicalisation.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi used his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s interior ministers’ meeting in Bishkek to underline Islamabad’s commitment to the “Shanghai spirit” and to call for collective strategies against terrorism, organised crime, cyber threats and drug trafficking. He described the region’s security challenges as complex and interconnected, noting that criminal and terrorist networks were exploiting artificial intelligence, digital platforms and cryptocurrencies to expand their reach.

Naqvi stressed the need for modernised institutional coordination and stronger intelligence‑sharing mechanisms across SCO member states. He argued that shared threats required shared solutions, urging a comprehensive regional strategy to tackle transnational crime and emerging risks. He highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and pointed to reforms under the National Action Plan, including improved border management, intelligence coordination and anti‑money laundering measures.

He called for more effective cooperation under the SCO’s Regional Anti‑Terrorist Structure, particularly in intelligence sharing, joint threat analysis and countering online radicalisation. He also emphasised the importance of cyber intelligence and digital forensics, warning that technological advances had created new opportunities for criminal organisations. On narcotics trafficking, he described the illegal drug trade as a major source of terror financing and urged coordinated action against trafficking networks and illicit financial flows.

Naqvi said Pakistan’s Anti‑Narcotics Force remained actively engaged in SCO initiatives and was ready to deepen cooperation. He also stressed the importance of border security, watch‑list coordination and preventing human smuggling. He noted that Pakistan had strengthened its financial monitoring framework to detect and prevent illicit activities, but insisted that dismantling terror financing networks required strong regional cooperation.

“Our challenges are common, so our efforts must also be collective and coordinated,” he told delegates, adding that the ultimate goal was a peaceful and secure SCO region. He concluded by saying Pakistan looked forward to hosting the SCO summit in Islamabad in 2027.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Naqvi met Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni to discuss bilateral relations and the regional situation, with both ministers exchanging views on Pakistan‑Iran ties and current developments.