ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States have reached a significantagreement to bolster bilateral cooperation in security and bordermanagement, with a key focus on equipping border security agencies andcoastal guards with modern US-supplied equipment. This development emergedfrom a high-level meeting held on January 17, 2026, between InteriorMinister Mohsin Naqvi and a US delegation led by Chargé d’Affaires NatalieBaker. The accord promises to substantially enhance Pakistan’s capacity toaddress cross-border threats, terrorism, and transnational crimes amidevolving regional challenges.
The decision to provide advanced US equipment to border security forces andcoastal guards represents a strategic step toward modernizing Pakistan’sfrontier defenses. Interior Minister Naqvi emphasized that the introductionof modern technology would significantly improve operational efficiency andresponse capabilities of these agencies. Such enhancements are particularlycrucial along Pakistan’s extensive borders with Afghanistan and Iran, aswell as its maritime frontiers, where smuggling, illegal migration, andsecurity breaches have posed persistent challenges in recent years.
During the deliberations, both sides reaffirmed their commitment todeepening existing partnerships under frameworks such as the USAnti-Terrorism Assistance Programme and the Bureau of InternationalNarcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. These programmes have historicallysupported training and capacity-building initiatives, and the latestagreement extends this collaboration to include tangible technologicalupgrades. The provision of state-of-the-art equipment is expected tofacilitate better surveillance, rapid response, and intelligence-ledoperations against emerging threats.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed the US assistance in thereorganization of the Federal Constabulary, underscoring its potential totransform this paramilitary force into a more effective entity formaintaining internal security and supporting law enforcement efforts. Thereorganization aims to address structural deficiencies and align theConstabulary with contemporary operational requirements, therebycontributing to overall national stability.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted US support for strengthening theFederal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the National Cyber CrimeInvestigation Agency (NCCIA). These institutions play pivotal roles ininvestigating complex crimes, including cyber offenses, financial fraud,and terrorism-related activities. Enhanced capabilities through UScollaboration would enable more robust investigations and prosecutions,particularly in areas involving international dimensions.
A notable aspect of the agreement is the activation of the FIA’scounterterrorism wing with US backing. Naqvi described this development ashighly beneficial, noting that it would establish the first dedicatedfederal-level anti-terrorist unit designed to ensure seamless coordinationwith provincial authorities. This initiative addresses longstanding gaps infederal-provincial counterterrorism mechanisms and promises improvedintelligence sharing and joint operations across jurisdictions.
The discussions also encompassed training programmes for officers of theFIA, Federal Constabulary, and NCCIA, alongside proposals for establishinga Centre for Transformation Crime and a specialized academy within the FIA.These measures reflect a comprehensive approach to institutionaldevelopment, focusing on human resource capacity building and technologicalintegration to combat evolving criminal networks.
Naqvi further elaborated on the NCCIA’s ongoing nationwide crackdownagainst illegal call centres, which are often linked to financial fraud andterror financing. He stressed that advanced software, supported by UScooperation, is essential for tracking and disrupting such activities. Thiscooperation underscores the shared interest in countering cyber-enabledcrimes that transcend national boundaries.
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The US delegation expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts inenhancing security cooperation and bilateral ties. Chargé d’AffairesNatalie Baker acknowledged the ongoing collaboration between the Ministryof Interior and US agencies at various levels, reaffirming Washington’scommitment to continue strengthening the partnership. This mutualrecognition highlights the strategic importance of sustained engagementbetween the two nations.
This agreement arrives amid broader regional dynamics, including recentjoint counterterrorism exercises such as Inspired Gambit 2026, which haveaimed to improve interoperability between Pakistani and US forces. Thefocus on border management and law enforcement capacity building alignswith Pakistan’s priorities of safeguarding sovereignty while fosteringinternational partnerships to address common security concerns.
Source:https://www.dawn.com/news/1967488/pakistan-us-agree-to-enhance-collaboration-in-security-border-management
Crime Investigation Agency, Federal Constabulary
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