ISLAMABAD, 14 August, 2026 (Ghufran): Pakistan and Norway have agreed to further strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism, combating illegal migration, police training and mutual legal assistance, with both sides expressing a commitment to expanding collaboration in security and law enforcement.The understanding was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide at the Ministry of Interior in Islamabad on Friday. The two sides discussed bilateral relations, regional developments and matters of mutual interest.Mohsin Naqvi said measures taken by Pakistan had resulted in a 47 percent decline in illegal immigration. He reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards irregular migration and noted that Pakistan’s efforts had been acknowledged by the European Union.The interior minister stressed that expanding opportunities for lawful migration was essential to addressing the issue of irregular movement of people.The meeting also focused on the activities of banned groups operating from Afghanistan. Naqvi expressed concern over the continued use of Afghan territory for attacks against Pakistan and called for coordinated international efforts to counter terrorism.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide acknowledged Pakistan’s role in efforts to reduce tensions between the United States and Iran and exchanged views with Naqvi on regional developments.Eide also appreciated the contributions of the Pakistani community in Norway to various sectors of Norwegian society.Naqvi described the Norwegian foreign minister’s visit as an important opportunity to further strengthen relations between Pakistan and Norway.Eide arrived in Pakistan on Thursday at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. During his visit, the two foreign ministers held discussions on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues.Ishaq Dar said Pakistan highly valued its partnership with Norway and was keen to broaden cooperation in diverse fields. Eide, meanwhile, appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and stability at the regional and international levels.The visiting Norwegian delegation also met Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The meeting covered regional security, bilateral relations and other matters of mutual interest.