Pakistan and UK Boost Cooperation on Counterterrorism and Illegal Migration
Pakistan and the United Kingdom have committed to expanding their cooperation in key areas, including counterterrorism, combating illegal migration, and human smuggling. This agreement was reached during a meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday between Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and British Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia and the UN, Hamish Falconer. Discussions also encompassed institutional collaboration, police training, and addressing the issue of fake student visas, alongside broader bilateral relations and regional stability.
Pakistan and the United Kingdom on Wednesday agreed to enhance cooperation across various fields, including counterterrorism, combating illegal migration and human smuggling. The understanding was established during a meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and British Minister of State Hamish Falconer in Islamabad.
During their discussion, Falconer reportedly commended Pakistan's role in facilitating the US-Iran peace deal, attributing a "historic role for peace" to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir. He suggested that this deal has positioned Pakistan as a "flag-bearer of global peace."
The two leaders also agreed to strengthen collaboration in institutional areas and police training. Interior Minister Naqvi highlighted the positive outcomes from the UPSCALE Project, noting a significant improvement in the capacity of Pakistani institutions. Naqvi further affirmed that “indiscriminate action” was being taken against illegal migration and human smuggling within Pakistan.
Discussions also covered the overall regional situation and Pakistan-UK relations, with Naqvi reaffirming Pakistan's dedication to strengthening ties with the UK. Both officials concurred on the importance of working together to tackle the issue of fake student visas. Naqvi additionally stressed that several terrorist organizations operate from Afghanistan and urged the Afghan government to prevent its territory from being used against Pakistan.
Earlier in the week, Falconer had met with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, where he acknowledged Pakistan's right under international law to defend itself against attacks originating from Afghanistan. A day prior to his meeting with Naqvi, Falconer also announced an additional £8 million to support joint UK-Pakistan initiatives to combat crime and illegal migration.
According to Dawn Pakistan, these details were provided by the interior ministry.
