RAWALPINDI – A four-member Iranian delegation Monday visited Headquartersof Anti-Narcotic Force (ANF) and discussed issues of bilateral interest inconnection with drug situation in the region with special focus on counternarcotics measures and initiatives taken by Pakistan and Iran.
The delegation was headed by Brig. Gen. Mohammad Masoud Zabetian, Head ofAnti-Narcotics Police, Iran while the DG ANF Major General Musarrat NawazMalik headed the dialogue from Pakistani side.
Other members of Iranian delegation included Seyed Ali Mir Ghaderi,Consultant of Head of Anti Narcotics Police, Mohammad Nasiri, Chief of AntiNarcotics Police of Sistan and Baluchistan Province, Iran, MehdiHonardoost, Ambassador of Embassy of Iran, Islamabad and DLO Iran inPakistan Omid Sarvari. ANF participants included the officers from fieldsof International Cooperation,Law, Intelligence and Enforcement.
The delegates from both sides emphasized the need to further enhance thebrotherly relations of both the countries, result-oriented implementationof MoU signed in1999, effective utilization of Bilateral/Regional CNMechanisms, Timely intelligence sharing and elimination of impediments incoordinated and internationally controlled delivery operations.
Furthermore they also updated on establishment of Taftan/Mirjaveh BorderLiaison Office (BLO). Moreover, the delegationdiscussed the strengthening of Joint Planning Cell (JPC) established underthe triangular initiative. Need for regular interaction, communication andsharing of best practices were also discussed.
In near-past, cooperation of Narcotics Control Agencies of both thecountries had resulted into many successful seizures of drugs and precursorchemicals. The Iranian delegation was apprised about the appreciation givenby relevant Pakistani stakeholders for signing the Letter of Cooperationbetween the two sides during the visit of DG ANF to Iran last year.
The visit of Iranian delegation is regarded as a milestone for bilateralcooperation on drug issues between the two countries. In the past,Narcotics Control Agencies of both the countries had remained incooperation with each other in the fields of capacity building, includingCanine, Technical up-gradation and Drug Law Enforcement Training.