The United Kingdom's Minister for the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, Hamish Falconer, stated on Wednesday that the recent US-Iran rapprochement had positioned Pakistan as a champion of global peace. This was conveyed in an official handout issued after his meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad.
Positive Role Acknowledged
According to the handout, Falconer praised Pakistan's positive and proactive role in facilitating understanding between the United States and Iran. He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had played a historic role in promoting peace.
Bilateral and Regional Discussions
The two sides discussed Pakistan-UK relations and the broader regional situation during the meeting. Federal ministers Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Talal Chaudhry, and Awn Chaudhry, along with Interior Secretary Muhammad Khurram Agha, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, the FIA director general, commandant of the National Police Academy, and DG NCCIA also attended.
Cooperation in Key Areas
The meeting reviewed cooperation between the two countries in counter-terrorism, combating illegal migration, institutional collaboration, and police training. Both sides agreed to further strengthen ties in these areas.
Action Against Illegal Migration
Naqvi said Pakistan was continuing indiscriminate action against illegal migration and human smuggling. He added that the Upskill project had delivered positive results and enhanced the capacity of Pakistani institutions. The two ministers also agreed to work together to address the issue of fraudulent student visas.
Regional Security Concerns
Discussing regional security, Naqvi said several terrorist organisations were operating from Afghanistan and stressed that the Afghan government must prevent its territory from being used against Pakistan. The interior minister reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening relations with the United Kingdom.
Falconer had also held meetings with Deputy Foreign Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday to discuss various aspects of bilateral cooperation.
