During a visit to the United Nations in Vienna, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with UNODC Acting Executive Director John Brandolino, who signed a new agreement to expand cooperation between Pakistan and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. The agreement is intended to strengthen collaboration across the justice sector and deepen UNODC Pakistan engagement.
For more than 50 years UNODC Pakistan and Pakistani institutions have worked together to bolster criminal justice responses and to tackle drug trafficking, organized crime, corruption and terrorism. That long-standing partnership has focused on building capacity and improving legal and operational frameworks to address these challenges.
At a high-level event during the visit, both leaders emphasized that strong institutions and respect for the rule of law are essential for peace, security and long-term prosperity. The renewed cooperation underscores the shared view that institutional reform and sustained support are central to protecting communities and upholding justice across Pakistan.
The expanded agreement aims to deepen technical assistance, training and policy support tailored to Pakistan’s needs while maintaining a focus on counter-narcotics, anti-corruption and counter-terrorism priorities. UNODC Pakistan will continue to work with local partners to translate commitments into practical measures that strengthen the criminal justice system and advance national security objectives.
