BISHKEK: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday urged member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to enhance intelligence sharing and strengthen coordinated efforts against terrorism, cybercrime, narcotics trafficking, and online extremism under the organisation’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) framework.
Speaking at the meeting of interior and public security ministers of SCO member states in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Naqvi emphasized that regional security challenges require collective action and closer cooperation among member countries.
Growing Security Challenges
Addressing delegates, the interior minister highlighted the increasing threat posed by terrorism, organized crime, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and terrorist financing.
“Our region faces serious security threats. Terrorism, organised crime, drug trafficking, cybercrime and terrorist financing require a collective response,” Naqvi said.
He warned that criminal and terrorist networks are increasingly exploiting artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and emerging technologies to expand their activities, making modernization and international cooperation essential.
Focus on Cyber Security and Online Extremism
Naqvi called for greater collaboration in cyber intelligence and digital forensics, noting that online recruitment, cyber-financing, and attacks on critical infrastructure have become major concerns for governments worldwide.
“The SCO must strengthen cooperation on cyber intelligence and digital forensics,” he stated.
The minister also advocated for expert exchange programs, joint workshops, and coordinated threat assessments to improve regional preparedness against evolving security challenges.
Pakistan’s Counterterrorism Efforts
Highlighting Pakistan’s contributions to regional security, Naqvi said the country has made significant sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
He pointed to measures taken under the National Action Plan, including enhanced intelligence coordination, stronger border management, and reforms in anti-money laundering mechanisms.
Drug Trafficking and Terror Financing
The interior minister described narcotics trafficking as a major source of terrorist financing and called for a unified regional strategy to combat drug smuggling, illicit cryptocurrency transactions, and transnational criminal networks.
He noted that Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force continues to actively participate in SCO-level counter-narcotics initiatives.
Border Security Cooperation
Naqvi stressed that effective border management remains critical for peace and stability across the region.
He proposed greater cooperation among SCO member states in combating forged travel documents, improving watchlist coordination, and tackling human smuggling networks.
Meeting with Iranian Counterpart
On the sidelines of the conference, Naqvi held talks with Eskandar Momeni to discuss Pakistan-Iran relations, regional developments, and ongoing efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East.
According to Pakistan’s Interior Ministry, both sides emphasized the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and sustained efforts to promote regional peace and stability.
Commitment to Regional Peace
Concluding his address, Naqvi underscored the need for coordinated responses to shared challenges.
“Our challenges are shared. Our responses must be connected, coordinated and forward-looking. Let us work together for a peaceful and secure SCO region,” he said.
He also expressed Pakistan’s desire to host future SCO security-related engagements and said Islamabad looks forward to welcoming participants in 2027.
