Islamabad: A proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on narcotics cooperation will provide a more structured framework to strengthen existing collaboration between Malaysia and Pakistan in addressing current drug threats, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He highlighted that discussions on the MoU took place during his visit to the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Pakistan headquarters in Islamabad, where he received a briefing from its Director-General Major General Abdul Moeed.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, drug threats have become increasingly complex, particularly with the rise of synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine and the involvement of transnational organised crime networks operating across borders. Pakistan's geographical position, which directly faces drug flows from Afghanistan, is crucial for Malaysia, especially as trafficking routes extend to East Asia and Southeast Asia. Saifuddin emphasized that the threat cannot be addressed only within national borders or the ASEAN region. He shared these insights in a Facebook post during his two-day official visit to Islamabad, Pakistan.
He further elaborated that in dealing with increasingly sophisticated criminal networks, cooperation between enforcement agencies must go beyond agreements on paper. Intelligence sharing, coordinated intelligence-led operations, and international networks must be utilized to disrupt supply chains before drugs reach Malaysia. Malaysia and Pakistan already have a strong operational foundation, with more than 28 cases jointly coordinated between 2012 and 2018. Future efforts will focus on revitalizing cooperation through more active intelligence sharing, coordinated operations, and exchanges of training and expertise between the agencies of both countries.
During the visit, Saifuddin Nasution also paid a courtesy call on Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The discussions covered regional and international developments, the role of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing conflicts, and the need to strengthen cooperation among Islamic countries in facing current geopolitical and economic challenges. Economic cooperation discussions also took place, including trade and investment, food security involving potential rice and meat supplies from Pakistan, market access, and efforts to enhance people-to-people ties through proposed visa facilitation.
He also met with Pakistan's Interior and Narcotics Control Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, where both sides agreed to establish a Joint Working Group to further develop cooperation in security, narcotics control, and police training. The meeting also witnessed the signing of the International Transfer of Prisoners Agreement between Malaysia and Pakistan.
Saifuddin Nasution and the Malaysian delegation visited the headquarters of Pakistan's National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to observe the country's identity management and civil registration systems. The delegation was briefed by NADRA chairman Lt Gen Muhammad Munir Afsar on identity databases, biometrics, the use of technology in government service delivery, border management, passport data verification, digital identity, and support for law enforcement efforts. The visit opened opportunities for cooperation and expertise sharing in digital identity solutions, e-government, crisis management, and cybersecurity. The experience would be useful as the Home Ministry explores the use of technology to enhance security and improve system efficiency, aligning with the MADANI Government's efforts to ensure public sector digital transformation delivers direct benefits to the people.