Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held an important meeting with his Italian counterpart, Matteo Piantedosi, during the latter’s visit to Islamabad on Wednesday.
Minister Naqvi briefed the Italian Interior Minister on India’s recent cowardly act of aggression and its underlying motives. He emphasized the urgent need for meaningful international efforts to reduce regional tensions.
Expressing sorrow over the loss of 26 civilian lives, Minister Piantedosi offered condolences to the bereaved families. ‘India targeted civilian populations in clear violation of international law. Among the 26 martyrs were women and children,’ Naqvi stated.
He added that Pakistan’s armed forces gave a fitting response by downing five Indian fighter jets. ‘We had warned the world from day one about India’s dangerous intentions,’ Naqvi said, holding New Delhi responsible for destabilizing the regional situation.
The two ministers discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, security, and other matters of mutual interest. Both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration in combating terrorism, human trafficking, and drug smuggling.
Minister Piantedosi reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to deepening cooperation in counterterrorism and antismuggling efforts. Naqvi emphasized that cracking down on illegal immigration and its facilitators remains a top priority for Pakistan.
A joint working group will be formed to devise a unified strategy against narcotics and transnational crimes. The Italian Interior Minister announced that an Italian security delegation will soon visit Pakistan to enhance border security cooperation.
‘We are ready to expand our collaboration with Italy on drug prevention,’ said Naqvi, revealing that over 3,000 human traffickers and 500 facilitators were apprehended last year.
The two countries also agreed to sign a declaration on transnational crimes and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on migration and labor mobility.
Minister Piantedosi praised the professionalism and capabilities of Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies in combating human trafficking and drugrelated crimes.