Afghan soil being used against Pakistan, Naqvi tells Norway FM as two discuss counterterrorism cooperation

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday met with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, where the two sides discussed counterterrorism cooperation, particularly the use of Afghan soil in terror attacks against Pakistan.

Eide arrived in Pakistan a day earlier on a two-day visit — the first by a Norwegian foreign minister in a decade.

According to a handout issued by the interior ministry, the two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations and the regional situation. Naqvi and Eide also agreed to improve cooperation in counterterrorism, prevention of illegal immigration, police training, and mutual legal assistance.

The two sides held discussions on the situation in neighbouring Afghanistan and the activities of proscribed organisations operating from the neighbouring country.

During the meeting, Eide lauded Pakistan’s “constructive and active” role in the US-Iran war. The two sides also discussed measures taken against illegal immigration to Europe from Pakistan.

“Pakistan’s effective measures have led to a 47 per cent reduction in illegal immigration to Europe,” the statement quoted Naqvi as saying, adding that “a zero-tolerance policy has been adopted against illegal immigration”.

He said that Pakistan’s measures against illegal immigration were also appreciated by the European Union.

“Promoting legal immigration is very important for effectively curbing illegal immigration,” he said.

According to the statement, Naqvi told Eide that “Afghan soil is continuously being used for terrorism in Pakistan” and that Pakistan stood “as a wall” between the world and terrorist elements.

“Everyone must work together for the complete eradication of terrorism.” Naqvi was quoted as saying. He also told Eide that his visit would be an “important milestone” in strengthening bilateral relations between Norway and Pakistan.

In the meeting, Eide appreciated the “active role” of the Pakistani diaspora in Norway and their contributions in sectors ranging from politics to health.

Minister of State Talal Chaudhry and other senior officials were present at the meeting as well, the statement added.

On Thursday, Eide held a series of engagements with top civilian and military leadership, where the two sides discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology, climate resilience, maritime affairs, skilled labour and security, while also exchanging views on regional developments.