Islamabad: In a significant move to combat drug trafficking, Pakistan hosted the inaugural Pak-Gulf Cooperation Council Anti-Narcotics International Conference. The event, held in Islamabad, brought together heads of anti-narcotics departments from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait, alongside Italy.

Participants at the conference underscored the necessity for a unified strategy to address narcotics issues. Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi extended a warm welcome to the high-level delegations. He emphasized the conference’s role in strengthening global cooperation and bilateral relations while formulating joint cross-border strategies against drug trafficking.

Director General of ANF Pakistan, Major General Abdul Muyeed, welcomed the Director Generals of Narcotics Control from the GCC nations. Mohsin Naqvi highlighted the collective commitment to tackling the global threat of drugs and marked this conference as progress toward a drug-free world.

Naqvi addressed the conference, stating, “Today, we are not just representatives of our states, but front-line soldiers on a global front, united in the fight against narcotics.” He noted the importance of the presence of Gulf countries’ delegations as evidence of shared commitment and called for enhanced cooperation, intelligence exchange, and effective strategies to combat drug trafficking.

The minister emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to expand cooperation with Gulf states in anti-narcotics efforts, focusing on intelligence sharing, joint training, and technical cooperation. “The support and partnership of Gulf countries will be key to our success,” he concluded.