Web Desk — November 6, 2025
Islamabad: In a significant step to bolster bilateral relations, the interior ministries of Pakistan and Turkey have agreed to form a Joint Working Group to deepen collaboration across key security domains, including counterterrorism, narcotics control, human smuggling, border management, cybercrime, coast guard operations, and policing.
The accord was finalized during high-level talks in Islamabad, where Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya arrived on an official visit and was warmly welcomed by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The two leaders held one-on-one and delegation-level meetings, exchanging views on strengthening Pak-Turkey ties.
Minister Yerlikaya emphasized that “Pakistan’s security is inseparable from Turkey’s,” praising Islamabad’s proactive role in combating terrorism and drug trafficking. He highlighted the absence of any narcotics smuggling cases from Pakistan to Turkey over the past five years, crediting Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force for its commendable efforts despite limited resources.
In response, Naqvi described human smuggling and illegal immigration as global challenges requiring joint action. He announced Pakistan’s full support for Turkey in Interpol elections and reiterated the commitment to institutionalize cooperation through the new working group, which will convene four times annually.
The discussions also covered immigration, anti-drug initiatives, and human trafficking prevention, with both sides vowing to enhance information-sharing and capacity-building.
Earlier, Yerlikaya met Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, where the two sides reaffirmed their resolve to fortify bilateral cooperation. The premier extended felicitations to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and underscored the visit as a reflection of the robust brotherly bonds between the nations.
Present at the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, Chairman NDMA, Secretary Interior, and Secretary Foreign Affairs.
Prime Minister Sharif stressed expanding ties in security, counterterrorism, anti-narcotics, police training, disaster management, trade, and economic development, signaling a new era of strategic partnership.
This agreement aligns with recent high-level engagements, including the seventh session of the Pakistan-Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council earlier this year, which focused on institutionalizing collaboration in defense, energy, and beyond.
