Pakistan to work with US to bring main federal investigation agency to FBI standards

US Deputy Chief of Mission Natalie A. Baker speaks during a meeting with Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the Ministry of Interior in Islamabad on December 10, 2024. (APP)
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Updated 10 December 2024
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Pakistan to work with US to bring main federal investigation agency to FBI standards

  • Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi discusses modernizing Federal Investigation Agency with US Deputy Mission Chief Natalie Baker
  • FIA is tasked with investigations into terrorism, espionage, smuggling, trafficking, intellectual property rights, other crimes

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met US Deputy Chief of Mission Natalie A. Baker in Islamabad on Tuesday and discussed modernizing Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency to bring it at par with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The FIA is a border control, criminal investigation, counterintelligence and security agency under the control of the Interior Secretary of Pakistan, tasked with probing terrorism, espionage, smuggling, trafficking, intellectual property rights and other crimes.
The FIA’s main goal and priority is to protect national interests as well as defend Pakistan’s interests locally and uphold and ensure law enforcement in the country.
“The United States has agreed to assist Pakistan in modernizing FIA along the lines of FBI,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said in a report after Naqvi’s meeting with Baker.
“The United States will also provide assistance in making the National Forensic Agency more effective as per the modern requirements.”
Quoting Naqvi, Radio Pakistan said the minister underscored the importance of US collaboration in enhancing the capabilities of Pakistani law enforcement agencies.
“He stressed the urgent need for providing modern equipment and tools to the Civil Armed Forces to effectively deal with terrorism and emergency situations, calling it a top priority,” the state broadcaster added. 
The FBI is the domestic intelligence and security service of the United States and its principal federal law enforcement agency. As a leading counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and criminal investigative organization, the FBI has jurisdiction over violations of more than 200 categories of federal crimes. Although many of the FBI’s functions are unique, its activities in support of national security are comparable to those of the British MI5 and NCA, the New Zealand GCSB and the Russian FSB. 
Despite its domestic focus, the FBI also maintains a significant international footprint, operating offices in US embassies and consulates around the world.


Pakistan urges concessional finance for developing nations to boost clean energy security

Updated 11 January 2026
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Pakistan urges concessional finance for developing nations to boost clean energy security

  • Pakistan has emerged as one of world’s fastest growing solar markets, with 12GWs of off-grid and 6GWs of net-metered capacity in 2025
  • PM’s aide says Islamabad remains committed to Paris Agreement, looks for continued support in building a resilient and low-carbon future

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has urged international partners to scale up concessional financing for developing countries, the country’s Press Information Department (PID) said on Sunday, citing an aide to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The call was made by Sharif’s coordinator on climate change, Romina Khurshid Alam, while delivering Pakistan’s national statement at the 16th International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly in Abu Dhabi.

Pakistan has emerged as one of the world’s fastest growing solar markets, with 12 gigawatts (GWs) of off-grid and over 6GWs of net-metered solar capacity by the end of 2025. Last fiscal year, renewables accounted for a historic 53 percent of total electricity generation, according to Alam.

The prime minister’s aide stressed that affordable funding for developing nations is critical to accelerating their transition to clean energy and strengthening energy security amid rising climate and economic challenges.

“Alam reaffirmed Pakistan’s target of achieving 60 percent renewables in the power mix by 2030,” the PID said in a statement.

“In her call to action, she urged IRENA and Member States to increase concessional finance for developing nations, treat technologies such as energy storage and green hydrogen as global public goods, and strengthen regional cooperation for shared energy security.”

IRENA is a global intergovernmental agency for energy transformation that serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, supports countries in their energy transition, and provides state of the art data and analyzes on technology, innovation, policy, finance and investment. Its membership comprises 170 countries and the European Union (EU).

The 16th session of the IRENA Assembly is taking place on Jan. 10-12 in Abu Dhabi and focuses on the theme of “Powering Humanity: Renewable Energy for Shared Prosperity.” The session has gathered global leaders and energy decision-makers to discuss strategies and underline necessary actions for the acceleration of renewable energy across countries, regions, and the world, driving economic inclusion, equity, and human well-being.

Alam shared that Pakistan is taking action against energy poverty through initiatives like the Punjab Solar Panel Scheme 2026, which provides free or subsidized systems to low-income households.

She highlighted how distributed solar kits have restored power and livelihoods in flood-affected communities and offer a replicable model for climate-resilient recovery.

“Pakistan remains fully committed to the Paris Agreement and looks to IRENA for continued technical and financial support in building a resilient, inclusive, and low-carbon future,” Alam said.

Adopted in 2015 to combat climate change, the Paris Agreement binds nations to hold “the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels” and pursue efforts “to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.”