Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi meets UN chief Guterres, offers counterterrorism cooperation

Agreement to increase Pakistani participation in UN peacekeeping operations, reinstatement of Pakistani officers

NEW YORK:

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres and extended Islamabad's support for the UN Counter-Terrorism Force.

UN Secretary-General Guterres welcomed Minister Naqvi at the UN headquarters on Saturday.

During the meeting, both leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, including UN peace missions and joint measures to combat terrorism.

An agreement was reached to increase the number of Pakistani missions in UN peacekeeping operations.

This significant development will see the reinstatement of Pakistani police officers in UN peace missions after several years.

Soon, 128 Pakistani police officers will be deployed in various UN peacekeeping missions.

Pakistan's permanent representative to the UN, Munir Akram, and other senior UN officials were also present at the meeting.

The discussions also covered the establishment of a UN Counter-Terrorism Force unit. Minister Naqvi highlighted Pakistan’s expertise, experience, and professional approach towards countering terrorism.

"Pakistan has played a frontline role in the war against terrorism. We will provide every possible cooperation for the CTD Force. The number of female officers in Pakistan's police has increased," stated Naqvi.

Secretary-General Guterres expressed keen interest in the reforms initiated during Naqvi's tenure as Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab, including the establishment of meesaq centres and protection centres within the Punjab police.

"The inclusion of female officers in the police is a welcome development. Female officers perform better policing. They will certainly be considered," said Guterres.

Minister Naqvi thanked Guterres for his visit to Pakistan during the 2022 floods and for his solidarity with the victims.

He acknowledged the global support for flood victims prompted by Guterres' appeal, expressing Pakistan’s gratitude. Naqvi also appreciated Guterres' efforts for peace and humanitarian causes, recognising his consistent advocacy for these issues.