KARACHI: Pakistan has seized over 600 kilograms of narcotics and arrested eight smugglers, including seven Iranian nationals, in the North Arabian Sea, its maritime security agency said on Monday.
The arrests were made in a “joint intelligence-based counter-narcotics operation” conducted by the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) and the Pakistan Customs Preventive, the PMSA said in a statement.
“During the operation, eight foreign smugglers were apprehended in the North Arabian Sea and approximately 658 kilograms of narcotics were recovered from a stateless boat,” the PMSA statement read.
It said the consignment was worth over Rs6 billion ($33.7 million) in the illicit drug market.
Asked about the nationality of the arrested suspects, a PMSA spokesperson told Arab News that seven of the smugglers were Iranian nationals and one belonged to Seychelles — an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off East Africa.
“The seized narcotics along with smugglers have been handed over to Pakistan Customs Preventive for further investigation and legal proceedings including investigation of involvement of any of the apprehended individual or group in other anti-state activities and completion of legal formalities,” the PMSA said.
The agency said the “successful operation” resulting in the seizure of narcotics was a testament to the fact that Pakistan was vigilant and remained committed in preventing the use of its waters for any unlawful act.
“Pakistan Maritime Security Agency will continue to shoulder its national obligations and responsibility to establish lawful and order at sea,” it added.
Pakistan arrests seven Iranians in North Arabian Sea, seizes over 600kg narcotics
https://arab.news/cr5f9
Pakistan arrests seven Iranians in North Arabian Sea, seizes over 600kg narcotics
- Pakistani maritime authorities say the narcotics are worth $33.7 million
- Suspects will also be investigated for involvement in anti-state activities
Pakistan to discuss regional issues, economic ties at UAE summit this week
- Deputy PM Ishaq Dar to attend Sir Bani Yas Forum from Dec. 12-14, says Pakistan foreign office
- Senior statemen, policymakers expected to discuss security and economic cooperation at summit
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will attend the Sir Bani Yas Forum in the UAE from Dec. 12-14 to discuss regional issues with world leaders and explore economic partnerships, the foreign ministry said on Friday.
The three-day summit features senior statesmen, policymakers and global experts from around the world with discussions likely to revolve around key regional and international issues such as peace, security and economic cooperation.
Dar, who is also Pakistan’s foreign minister, attended the 15th edition of the Bani Yas Forum last year. He is attending this year’s summit at the invitation of his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the foreign office said.
“During the Forum, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister will engage with international leaders and experts on matters related to regional stability, sustainable development, and the expansion of economic partnerships,” the statement said.
“He will also present Pakistan’s perspectives on promoting dialogue, addressing regional challenges, and fostering enhanced opportunities for economic cooperation.”
The Forum is expected to feature important discussions on Israel’s war in Gaza and the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East.
Pakistan has consistently criticized Israel for violating the ceasefire in Gaza and has called on the international community to intervene and ensure the fragile agreement does not collapse.
Islamabad has also been eyeing economic partnerships with regional allies, particularly Gulf countries, at such global summits in recent months.
It has entered into economic, defense, trade and investment agreements with traditional allies such as China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Central Asian states in recent months.
