Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has called on member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to enhance regional coordination against terrorism, organised crime, drug trafficking, cybercrime and terror financing.
Speaking at a special session of interior and public security ministers of SCO countries in Bishkek, he said the evolving nature of regional threats requires unified, modern and proactive responses from member states.
Naqvi noted that terrorist and criminal groups are increasingly taking advantage of artificial intelligence, digital platforms, online networks and cryptocurrency systems to expand their operations.
“Shared threats demand shared solutions,” he said while urging participating countries to formulate a joint regional strategy to confront transnational crime and emerging security challenges.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the “Shanghai Spirit,” which promotes mutual trust, cooperation, equality and respect for sovereignty among member states.
He stated that Pakistan has rendered significant sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and extremism and continues to strengthen its national security structure to address new and evolving threats.
Highlighting steps taken under the National Action Plan, the minister said Pakistan has improved intelligence coordination, strengthened border management and tightened anti-money laundering measures, which have collectively enhanced the country’s ability to tackle terrorism and organised criminal activity.
He also called for broader collaboration under the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), especially in areas such as intelligence exchange, joint threat evaluations and countering online extremism and radical propaganda.
Cybersecurity featured prominently in his address, with the minister describing digital forensics and cyber intelligence cooperation as an urgent regional necessity. He warned that technological advancements are opening new avenues for terrorist groups and organised criminal networks.
Discussing narcotics trafficking, Naqvi said the illegal drug trade continues to serve as a major source of funding for terrorist activities. He urged SCO countries to jointly combat drug smuggling, online criminal enterprises and illicit financial flows linked to digital currencies.
He underlined the importance of stronger border security measures for maintaining regional peace and stability. He called on member countries to cooperate more closely in tackling human trafficking, improving watch-list coordination and preventing the use of fake travel and identification documents.
He pointed to reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s anti-money laundering system and said enhanced financial monitoring mechanisms are helping identify and prevent illegal financial transactions.
“No country can effectively deal with transnational threats alone,” he said, stressing that regional collaboration is essential for dismantling terrorist financing networks.
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