The United Kingdom has announced an additional £8 million in funding to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in combating illegal migration, human smuggling and organised crime, while also acknowledging Islamabad’s role in facilitating recent diplomatic engagement that contributed to a US-Iran understanding.
Announcement During Visit
The announcement was made by Hamish Falconer during his visit to Islamabad, where he held meetings with senior Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. According to the British High Commission, the funding will be used to enhance border management and visa systems, improve information-sharing mechanisms, and provide technical assistance to Pakistani law-enforcement agencies to disrupt human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks.
Support for Returns and Community Programs
The initiative also aims to support the return of individuals without legal right to remain in the UK and fund community-based programmes in regions vulnerable to irregular migration. The projects are intended to address the underlying causes of illegal migration while strengthening investigative capacity against organised criminal groups.
Regional and Bilateral Discussions
During his meetings, Falconer and Pakistani officials exchanged views on regional developments, Pakistan’s economic outlook, ongoing reforms and prospects for expanding bilateral economic cooperation. He also thanked Pakistan for its role in supporting diplomatic efforts that helped facilitate a recent agreement between the United States and Iran, describing it as an important step towards regional stability.
Shared Security Concerns
Falconer said the UK-Pakistan partnership remained vital for addressing shared security concerns, including terrorism, visa fraud and organised crime, and for promoting regional peace and stability. He added that Britain would continue to work with Pakistan and international partners to ensure stability in the Middle East and safeguard freedom of navigation through key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.
Live Demonstration and Economic Cooperation
During the visit, the British minister observed a live demonstration of joint law-enforcement procedures aimed at identifying and preventing fraudulent visa applications before departure. Separately, he met Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to discuss economic cooperation, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
