Summary
- Pakistan and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation against organised crime marking a new step in security and law enforcement ties between the two countries.
- During separate talks at the Ministry of Interior both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation against organised crime, cybercrime, drug trafficking and illegal migration.
- The countries also plan to strengthen institutional links between Pakistan’s National Police Academy and its Russian counterpart to exchange expertise and improve law enforcement capabilities.
Pakistan and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation against organised crime marking a new step in security and law enforcement ties between the two countries.
The agreement was signed in Islamabad on Wednesday October 14, 2026, during the visit of Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi signed the MoU on behalf of Pakistan while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif witnessed the ceremony.
Before the signing Shehbaz met Kolokoltsev and expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in bilateral relations. The prime minister emphasised the need to build on existing ties and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest including trade, investment, energy and economic development.
Kolokoltsev conveyed Russia’s interest in strengthening relations with Pakistan and highlighted opportunities to expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation. He also appreciated Pakistan’s support at multilateral forums particularly the United Nations.
During separate talks at the Ministry of Interior both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation against organised crime, cybercrime, drug trafficking and illegal migration. They also decided to work towards finalising agreements on extradition and the transfer of prisoners.
According to Pakistan’s Interior Ministry the two sides will seek faster implementation of the existing readmission agreement. They also agreed to improve coordination between Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force and relevant Russian agencies to tackle drug trafficking.
Working groups from both interior ministries are expected to visit each other to identify additional areas for collaboration. The countries also plan to strengthen institutional links between Pakistan’s National Police Academy and its Russian counterpart to exchange expertise and improve law enforcement capabilities.
Naqvi described the organised crime agreement as an important milestone and said Pakistan wanted to benefit from Russia’s experience in combating cybercrime. During the meeting, Kolokoltsev said Russia had reduced cybercrime by 33% through effective measures.
The discussions also covered facilitating the movement of skilled Pakistani workers to Russia simplifying visa procedures for tourists and business travellers and expanding educational opportunities. Naqvi noted that around 1,300 Pakistani students were studying in Russia and expressed interest in increasing educational exchanges.
The visit represents an effort by both governments to strengthen security cooperation through formal agreements information sharing and closer coordination among law enforcement agencies.
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