TODAY’S PAPER | September 15, 2026 | EPAPER

Pakistan, Lebanon agree to enhance intelligence sharing, security cooperation

Naqvi and Lebanese counterpart agree to soon sign MoU to strengthen cooperation between interior ministries


Web Desk September 15, 2026 2 min read
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi (right) with Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmed al-Hajjar (left) on September 15, 2026. SCREENGRAB

Pakistan and Lebanon on Tuesday agreed to enhance intelligence sharing to counter terrorism, dismantle drug networks and effectively address emerging security challenges.

According to the Ministry of Interior, Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar met his counterpart Mohsin Naqvi, with both sides discussing security cooperation, counter-terrorism efforts, prevention of drug trafficking, illegal immigration, money laundering and cybercrime.

The two ministers held a one-on-one meeting followed by delegation-level talks, focusing on ways to enhance cooperation in internal security and other areas of mutual interest, the ministry said.

Both sides also discussed expanding collaboration between police academies and training programmes to benefit from each other’s expertise and experience.

"The ministers exchanged views on the regional situation and Pakistan’s efforts to promote lasting peace in the region," it added.

During the meeting, the two countries agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) soon to further strengthen cooperation between their interior ministries.

The statement said that they also decided to appoint focal persons to improve coordination and ensure effective communication between the two countries.

"The two sides agreed to fully implement the existing MoU on counter-narcotics, while the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation," it added.

The meeting also included discussions on providing visa-free entry facilities for diplomatic and official passport holders of both countries.

“Hope your visit will open new avenues of cooperation between the two countries,” Naqvi said.

The Lebanese interior minister thanked Naqvi for Pakistan’s hospitality, describing Pakistan as a brotherly country and expressing Lebanon’s desire to enhance cooperation, particularly in internal security.

He said both countries could benefit from each other’s experiences.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, interior secretary, chairman NADRA, Director General (DG) FIA, DG Anti-Narcotics Force, Inspector General (IG) Federal Constabulary, national coordinator NACTA, DG passports and immigration, chief commissioner Islamabad, IG Islamabad police, DG National Forensic Agency, senior officials and other high-ranking officials.

A day earlier, al-Hajjar arrived in Islamabad on a two-day official visit on Naqvi's invitation; later he visited the Pakistan Monument, as well as the Islamabad Police Lines.

The Interior Ministry had said that during al-Hajjar's visit, "important discussions will take place on bilateral relations and promoting mutual cooperation." It added that al-Hajjar would also "hold important meetings with the Pakistani leadership."

Upon his arrival at the Pakistan Monument, al-Hajjar was presented with a ceremonial salute by "a smartly turned-out contingent of the Federal Constabulary," the Interior Ministry said.

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