Islamabad: Acting US Ambassador to Pakistan, Natalie A. Baker, met with Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for the second time in recent weeks, holding a wide-ranging discussion that focused on mutual concerns, Pakistan’s wanted citizens in the United States, and expanding cooperation in several security-related fields. The meeting reflected the growing diplomatic engagements between Islamabad and Washington amid evolving regional and global challenges.
Key Agenda of the Meeting
During the high-level meeting, both sides addressed bilateral relations, mutual concerns, and security matters. Among the most significant issues was the discussion on Pakistani citizens wanted in the United States for various charges. Officials on both sides emphasized the need for close coordination to address such legal matters through formal frameworks and agreements.
Additionally, the meeting touched upon potential avenues of enhanced collaboration in border security, counter-narcotics operations, coastal guard training, and forensic science capacity-building. These areas have long been part of the Pakistan–US cooperation framework, particularly under counterterrorism and law enforcement assistance programs.
Sympathy Over Flood Losses in Pakistan
Acting Ambassador Natalie Baker began the meeting by expressing condolences and sympathy for the devastating loss of life and property caused by recent floods in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The floods, which displaced thousands of families and destroyed infrastructure, have drawn international concern.
The US envoy reiterated America’s commitment to supporting Pakistan during humanitarian crises and pointed out that Washington values humanitarian partnership just as much as security collaboration. The statement was welcomed by the Interior Minister, who acknowledged the US role in disaster relief and international humanitarian aid.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Welcomes US Investment
In his remarks, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi highlighted opportunities for expanding US economic engagement with Pakistan. He specifically referred to a recent statement attributed to former US President Donald Trump, welcoming the idea of joint efforts to boost Pakistan’s oil reserves.
Naqvi stressed that Pakistan offers vast opportunities for American investors in diverse sectors such as oil and gas, renewable energy, information technology, and agriculture. He assured the envoy that the government would provide maximum facilitation, legal support, and infrastructure assistance to encourage foreign investment, especially in the energy sector.
“American investors can take advantage of opportunities across multiple sectors, and Pakistan will extend all possible facilities,” Naqvi said during the meeting.
Expanding Cooperation in Security and Law Enforcement
One of the central themes of the discussion was enhancing cooperation in law enforcement and internal security, a matter of critical importance to both nations.
Border Security
Both sides agreed to strengthen border security mechanisms, particularly in light of Pakistan’s long and porous borders with Afghanistan and Iran. The US has long supported Pakistan with training, equipment, and intelligence-sharing to manage border challenges that often include terrorism, smuggling, and human trafficking.
Counter-Narcotics Efforts
The meeting also stressed the urgency of tackling the growing drug trafficking problem in South Asia. Pakistan has been a key partner in US-led efforts to curb the smuggling of narcotics from Afghanistan, one of the world’s largest producers of opium. Cooperation in this field will include joint intelligence operations, training of anti-narcotics forces, and supply-chain monitoring.
Coast Guard and Maritime Security
Pakistan’s coastal belt along the Arabian Sea is strategically significant for regional trade and global maritime security. The US expressed interest in providing training and technological assistance to Pakistan’s Coast Guard to combat piracy, illegal fishing, and smuggling via sea routes.
Forensic Science Collaboration
Another important area discussed was the improvement of Pakistan’s forensic science capabilities. Modern forensic tools are crucial for criminal investigations, counterterrorism, and cross-border crime detection. The US has previously supported Pakistan in setting up forensic labs, and both sides agreed to expand this cooperation through technology transfer, training programs, and exchange of expertise.
Pakistan–US Relations in Broader Context
The meeting between Naqvi and Baker reflects the broader trajectory of Pakistan–US relations, which have seen both highs and lows in recent decades.
- During the Cold War, Pakistan was a close ally of Washington, receiving military and economic aid.
- Post-9/11, cooperation deepened further as Pakistan became a frontline state in the US-led War on Terror.
- However, relations have often been strained due to mutual mistrust, with the US raising concerns about extremism and Pakistan highlighting issues of sovereignty and drone strikes.
In recent years, Washington has emphasized regional stability, counterterrorism, climate resilience, and trade cooperation in its engagements with Islamabad.
US Interest in Pakistan’s Economic Stability
The US envoy’s remarks highlighted that Washington sees economic stability in Pakistan as integral to regional peace. By encouraging American investments in Pakistan’s oil, gas, and energy sectors, the US hopes to create sustainable partnerships that go beyond traditional security-focused engagement.
Pakistan, facing a balance of payments crisis, energy shortages, and climate change-related disasters, is eager to attract foreign investment. The meeting reinforced the idea that economic diplomacy is now as important as strategic diplomacy in the Pakistan–US partnership.
Statements from the Delegation
The meeting was also attended by Federal Secretary Interior Muhammad Khurram Agha and Additional Secretary Interior Major General Noor Wali Khan (retd.), who contributed to discussions on institutional cooperation.
Both senior officials underscored the need for capacity-building within Pakistan’s law enforcement institutions, including training programs for police forces, modernization of data-sharing systems, and development of cyber-security infrastructure.
Their presence highlighted the seriousness with which Islamabad is approaching this phase of talks with the US.
Outlook: What This Meeting Means for the Future
Diplomatic observers believe that the meeting between Natalie Baker and Mohsin Naqvi is more than a routine courtesy call—it signals a renewed effort by both Washington and Islamabad to improve ties, particularly in light of the shifting dynamics in South Asia.
- For Pakistan, cooperation with the US brings technological expertise, investment, and international legitimacy.
- For the US, a stable and cooperative Pakistan is essential for counterterrorism, regional trade, and security in South Asia.
If the discussions materialize into concrete agreements, Pakistan could see greater US involvement in economic projects, enhanced training for law enforcement agencies, and expanded humanitarian aid in disaster management.
Conclusion
The meeting between Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reflects a multi-dimensional approach to Pakistan–US relations. From discussions on wanted persons and law enforcement cooperation to broader issues like economic investment and humanitarian support, the talks covered a wide spectrum of mutual interests.
As both countries continue to navigate challenges ranging from security threats and natural disasters to economic instability, such high-level engagements are critical in building trust, collaboration, and long-term partnership.
The emphasis on border security, counter-narcotics, coastal safety, and forensics, alongside prospects for US investment in Pakistan’s energy sector, suggests that the relationship is gradually shifting towards a balanced mix of security and economic cooperation.
Whether these talks will result in tangible outcomes remains to be seen, but the positive tone and renewed focus on mutual respect and shared goals indicate that Pakistan–US relations may be entering a more constructive phase.
