Pakistan, Russia Agree to MoU Against Organised Crime

Pakistan and Russia have agreed to strengthen security cooperation by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on information sharing to combat organised crime. The decision was reached when Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met visiting Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev at the Ministry of Interior in Islamabad, followed by delegation-level talks. Naqvi said the agreement would prove a significant milestone in strengthening ties between the two countries.

Law Enforcement Cooperation

• Both countries pledged to expedite agreements on the extradition of wanted individuals and the exchange of prisoners, and to speed up implementation of the readmission agreement.

• They agreed to enhance cooperation between Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and relevant Russian agencies to tackle drug-related offences.

• Working groups from both interior ministries will soon visit each other’s countries to advance cooperation.

Cybercrime

The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation between Pakistan’s National Police Academy and the Russian Police Academy to share expertise. Naqvi said Pakistan wants to benefit from Russia’s experience in combating cybercrime, while Kolokoltsev said Russia has reduced cybercrime through effective measures.

Skilled Workers and Visas

The ministers discussed opportunities to send skilled Pakistani workers to Russia and to simplify visa procedures for tourists and the business community. Naqvi said easing visa requirements would strengthen people-to-people contacts.

Attendees

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Russian ambassador to Pakistan and senior officials of the relevant departments also attended the meeting.