Pakistan Sri Lanka security agreement, counter-terrorism cooperation, anti-narcotics pact, Mohsin Naqvi Sri Lanka visit, Colombo security talks, bilateral defence ties, cybercrime prevention Pakistan, human trafficking curb.
Pakistan-Sri Lanka Alliance Targets Transnational Threats:
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have inked agreements to intensify cooperation on counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics, and cybercrime, signaling a united front against transnational threats. The pacts, forged during high-level meetings in Colombo on February 16, 2026, come as both countries grapple with rising illegal immigration, financial fraud, and regional instability. This alliance not only strengthens bilateral ties but also bolsters stability in a volatile South Asian landscape, where shared challenges demand collaborative action.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka Forge Security and Diplomatic Ties:
On February 16, 2026, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Colombo for a series of pivotal meetings with Sri Lankan leaders, culminating in commitments to deepen security cooperation. The day began with talks between Naqvi and Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala, where the two sides delved into strategies for internal security, counter-terrorism, and narcotics control.
Key outcomes included plans for joint training programs for police and paramilitary forces, as well as officer exchange initiatives through Pakistan’s National Police Academy. The ministers also agreed to develop a unified approach against cybercrimes and financial fraud networks, while boosting coordination to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
Later, Naqvi met Defence Secretary Sampatha Thuyacontha to review broader security and defence matters. Both reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing bilateral ties, emphasizing regional peace and preparedness against emerging threats. Discussions with Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage extended beyond security, touching on cricket and youth exchanges, with Naqvi inviting his counterpart to Pakistan.
A highlight was Naqvi’s audience with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who assured eased visa restrictions for Pakistani citizens and praised the strengthening partnership. These engagements underscore a timeline of rapid diplomatic progress, building on prior communications and shared interests.
Strengthening Historic and Strategic Ties:
Pakistan and Sri Lanka share a history of robust diplomatic relations dating back to 1948, when Pakistan was among the first to recognize Sri Lanka’s independence. Over decades, ties have flourished in trade, defence, and cultural exchanges, with Pakistan providing military support during Sri Lanka’s civil war against the LTTE, including training and equipment.
Recent years have seen deepened collaboration amid regional challenges. South Asia faces escalating threats from terrorism, narcotics smuggling via maritime routes, and cyber attacks, with groups like the Islamic State exploiting vulnerabilities. Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis and Pakistan’s ongoing security issues have heightened the need for mutual support.
The 2026 agreements build on past pacts, such as the 2015 MoU on defence cooperation and joint military exercises. Significance lies in their potential to stabilize the Indian Ocean region, where drug trafficking from Afghanistan via Pakistan affects Sri Lanka’s shores. Economically, enhanced security could boost trade, currently at $400 million annually, and tourism.
Cricket diplomacy adds a layer: Recent T20 World Cup tensions, where Pakistan initially boycotted a match in solidarity with Bangladesh but relented after Sri Lankan intervention, highlight the nations’ intertwined interests. This pact reinforces trust, especially after Sri Lanka’s 2009 cricket team attack in Pakistan, from which relations recovered strongly.