Italy, Pakistan Form Joint Working Group to Tackle Narcotics, Organised Crime
— May 7, 2025
ISLAMABAD (AIA) Pakistan and Italy have agreed to establish a Joint Working Group to develop a unified strategy against narcotics and organised crime.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi in Islamabad on Wednesday.
The two sides discussed trade, security ties, and matters of mutual interest and agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-narcotics, human trafficking, border security, and counter-terrorism.
The Italian interior minister reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with Pakistan in all key areas, particularly counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics. He announced that an Italian team will soon visit Pakistan to further improve border security mechanisms.
Minister Naqvi said Pakistan prioritises strict action against illegal immigration and its facilitators.
He also briefed his Italian counterpart on India’s “cowardly act of aggression” the night before, highlighting the motives behind it. Both ministers stressed the need for meaningful efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.
The Italian minister expressed sorrow over the martyrdom of Pakistani civilians and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
Naqvi said India blatantly violated international law by targeting civilian populations. He added that the Pakistani armed forces gave a befitting response, shooting down five enemy fighter jets.
He reiterated that Pakistan has been warning the international community from the beginning about India’s dangerous designs and held New Delhi responsible for destabilising the regional situation.
Meanwhile, in a separate meeting with Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker in Islamabad, Naqvi said India has jeopardised peace in South Asia and shattered regional stability.