ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Kingdom (UK) on Friday agreed to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on an immediate basis to curb drug trafficking and enhance counterterrorism cooperation.
During a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and UK Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis, both sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in anti-narcotics operations, cybercrime and illegal immigration through the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the coast guards and training programmes, according to an official statement issued here. State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry was also present at the meeting.
Both sides agreed that the MoU would fully operationalise cooperation between the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF). They also agreed to convene a meeting of the working group established between their respective interior ministries at the earliest.
Following the meeting, delegation-level talks were held, during which various aspects of security cooperation between the two countries were discussed.
During the meeting, the UK Minister of State for Security commended the performance of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in curbing illegal immigration. Noting that cybercrime was a global issue, he emphasised the need for countries to join hands to tackle the menace.
He added that Pakistan and the UK already enjoyed robust cooperation across several sectors and expressed a strong desire to further strengthen bilateral ties. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s immense sacrifices and efforts in the global fight against terrorism.
The interior minister said that 330 cases involving attempts to smuggle drug consignments to the UK had been successfully thwarted over the past few years.
Naqvi praised the progress made under the UK-supported Upskill Programme, saying the initiative was playing an important role in strengthening the institutional capacity of Pakistani departments.
The meeting was attended by British High Commissioner Jane Marriott and other relevant UK officials. Secretary Interior, Chairman NADRA, Director General (DG) FIA, DG ANF, Inspector General (IG) Federal Constabulary (FC), DG National Forensic Agency (NFA), Commandant National Police Academy, DG National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), DG Directorate of Passports and Immigration, Chairperson Social Media Regulatory Authority, and other senior officials were also present during the meeting.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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