Pakistan, UK agree to expand cooperation in counterterrorism, cybercrime, immigration

Pakistan and the United Kingdom have agreed to enhance cooperation in counterterrorism, counter-narcotics, cybercrime, immigration and other security-related areas, following talks between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and UK Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis in Islamabad on Friday.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior, the two sides also agreed to strengthen collaboration involving the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), coast guards and training programmes.

The meeting discussed plans to finalise a memorandum of understanding on counter-narcotics cooperation soon. It also reviewed steps to make collaboration between the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) fully operational, along with the involvement of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Naqvi said Pakistan and Britain had thwarted 330 drug-smuggling cases in recent years. The two sides also agreed to convene a meeting of the working group established between the interior ministries of the two countries.

Jarvis praised the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) performance in preventing illegal immigration and acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices and efforts in the fight against terrorism.

Describing cybercrime as an international challenge, the British minister said countries needed to work together to combat it effectively. He also said cooperation between Pakistan and the UK was strong across various sectors and should be expanded further.

Naqvi also appreciated progress under the Upskill Project, saying it was playing an important role in enhancing the capacity of Pakistani institutions.