ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and the United Kingdom on Wednesday agreed to enhance cooperation in counterterrorism, combating illegal migration, institutional collaboration, and police training. The understanding was reached as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with British Minister of State for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan Hamish Falconer.
Meeting Highlights
During the meeting, both sides discussed Pakistan–UK relations and the overall regional situation, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior. The UK minister of state appreciated Pakistan’s “positive and constructive role” in facilitating the US-Iran peace deal. He stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir had played a historic role in promoting peace. He further remarked that the US-Iran understanding had projected Pakistan as “a champion of global peace.”
Key Areas of Cooperation
Interior Minister Naqvi noted that the “Upscale Project” was producing positive results and had significantly enhanced the capacity of Pakistani institutions. He stated that Pakistan was taking indiscriminate action against illegal migration and human smuggling. Both ministers also agreed to work together to address the issue of fake student visas.
Naqvi emphasized that several terrorist organizations were operating from Afghanistan and stressed that the Afghan government must prevent its territory from being used against Pakistan. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations with the UK.
Attendees
Federal ministers, including Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Talal Chaudhry, and Aoun Chaudhry, were present on the occasion. Interior Secretary Muhammad Khurram Agha; British High Commissioner Jane Marriott; the director general of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA); the commandant of the National Police Academy (NPA); and the director general of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) also attended the meeting.
In a separate development, Lahore police unveiled a comprehensive Muharram security plan for 458 processions, ensuring safety during the religious observances.
