BISHKEK, Saturday, June 6, 2026 (WNP): Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Interior Ministers’ Meeting in Bishkek, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening regional security cooperation, combating terrorism and improving migration management.

The meetings reflected a growing consensus among SCO member states on the need for coordinated action against common challenges, including terrorism, narcotics trafficking, illegal immigration and transnational crime.

A key development emerged from Minister Naqvi’s meeting with Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, during which the two sides signed several agreements for expanding cooperation between Pakistan and Russia in law enforcement and internal security.

The agreements focus on preventing illegal immigration, improving procedures for the repatriation of citizens residing unlawfully in either country and strengthening joint efforts against narcotics trafficking and the spread of illicit drugs.

The accords are an important step toward deepening cooperation between Islamabad and Moscow in addressing cross-border security challenges.

During separate talks with Tajik Interior Minister Ramazon Rahimzoda, the two ministers exchanged views on regional security and the evolving situation in Afghanistan.

Both sides expressed concern over the continued presence of terrorist groups and narcotics production inside Afghanistan, describing them as major threats to regional peace and stability. They emphasized the importance of coordinated regional efforts to address the challenges.

According to discussions during the meeting, around 25 terrorist organizations are currently active in Afghanistan, posing security risks not only to neighboring countries but also to the wider region.

Minister Naqvi also met Uzbekistan’s Interior Minister Major General Aziz Tashpulatov. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation between their law-enforcement agencies through enhanced institutional collaboration, information sharing and joint training initiatives.

To ensure sustained engagement, Pakistan and Uzbekistan agreed to establish a dedicated working group between their interior ministries to oversee the implementation of agreed measures and explore new avenues of cooperation.

In another bilateral meeting, Minister Naqvi held talks with Kyrgyz Interior Minister Niyazbek Olan Omokanovich, during which both leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The Pakistani minister congratulated Kyrgyzstan on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and commended the host country for successfully organizing the SCO Interior Ministers’ Meeting. He also thanked the Kyrgyz government for its hospitality and excellent arrangements for the regional gathering.

During discussions with Kazakhstan’s Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov, the two sides focused on measures to strengthen cooperation against illegal immigration and improve coordination between their respective law-enforcement agencies.

The ministers agreed to establish a joint working group between their interior ministries to facilitate regular engagement, address emerging security challenges and enhance operational cooperation.

The series of meetings underscored a broader regional effort to reinforce security partnerships across Central and South Asia amid persistent concerns over terrorism, narcotics trafficking and irregular migration.

The engagements in Bishkek also highlighted Pakistan’s active role in promoting regional dialogue, practical cooperation and collective action among SCO member states to address shared security concerns and contribute to regional stability.