ISLAMABAD: The United States has agreed to assist Pakistan in modernising the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) along the lines of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The development came during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker on Tuesday.
Both sides reviewed a range of topics, including strengthening Pakistan-US relations, advancing law enforcement collaboration, and preparations for hosting the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
It was also agreed that the US would assist in modernising Pakistan’s National Forensic Agency to meet contemporary challenges.
“Enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies and equipping civil armed forces with modern tools are top priorities to counter-terrorism and manage emergencies,” Naqvi stated.
The Acting US Ambassador reaffirmed U.S. support in these efforts and lauded Pakistan’s commitment to improving law enforcement. She also praised the successful organisation of a police officers’ passing-out parade, congratulating Minister Naqvi on the achievement.
The US diplomat expressed condolences for the recent martyrdom of police and Rangers personnel in Islamabad.
Mohsin Naqvi noted that Pakistan and the United States have excellent relations spanning several decades. He also clarified that no foreign national with legal documentation will be expelled from Islamabad. He added that illegal foreign nationals will not be allowed to stay in Islamabad under any circumstances.
Federal Interior Secretary Khurram Ali Agha and Additional Interior Secretary Riffat Mukhtar Raja were also present at the meeting.
It may be recalled that the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a conversation with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in April this year reiterated the commitment to strengthening the partnership between the United States and Pakistan.
Secretary Blinken, stressed the importance of continued cooperation on counterterrorism, expanding our trade and investment partnership, and advancing women’s economic security and empowerment”.
Earlier, US President Joe Biden also emphasised the need for strengthening the US-Pakistan partnership in a message he sent to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
