Pakistan, Russia join hands against cross-border crime

Russia and Pakistan have agreed to strengthen cooperation against transnational organised crime, terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and cybercrime following a visit by Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev to Pakistan.

Kolokoltsev concluded his visit on October 15 after arriving in Pakistan on October 12. During his four-day stay, he held high-level meetings with Pakistani civilian and military leadership to discuss security cooperation and ways to improve coordination between law enforcement agencies.

The Russian minister met Federal Interior and Narcotics Control Minister Mohsin Naqvi, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

A key outcome of the visit was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the interior ministries of both countries to strengthen cooperation in combating transnational organised crime. The agreement was signed following Kolokoltsev’s meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Discussions focused on tackling international criminal networks, terrorism, extremism, the illegal trade in weapons and narcotics, and cybercrime. Both sides emphasised the importance of timely information sharing, closer coordination through Interpol and the exchange of expertise to improve cybercrime investigations.

Kolokoltsev described relations between Russia and Pakistan as friendly, constructive and mutually beneficial. He also praised Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional stability and highlighted the need to prevent the politicisation of international law enforcement cooperation, including within the United Nations.

The Russian interior minister also expressed support for expanding professional training programmes for Pakistani law enforcement personnel. He welcomed the existing cooperation between the two countries and said further training opportunities could strengthen the capabilities of Pakistan’s security institutions.

He also expressed confidence that Pakistan’s chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) would provide opportunities to advance practical cooperation between the two countries’ law enforcement agencies.

During his visit, Kolokoltsev toured the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), gaining insight into Pakistan’s institutional work in identity management and efforts to combat drug-related crimes.

He also visited the Pakistan Monument, where he paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the fight against terrorism. In addition, he attended a parade by Pakistani police units and presented awards to members of the country’s law enforcement agencies in recognition of their services.

At the conclusion of his visit, Kolokoltsev thanked the Pakistani authorities for their hospitality and the constructive discussions held during his stay.

The visit marks another step towards strengthening security ties between Islamabad and Moscow, with both countries seeking closer cooperation against cross-border crime and emerging security threats.