ISLAMABAD, Jun 17 (Alliance News): Pakistan and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, expanding cooperation in security and law enforcement, and jointly addressing challenges related to migration and human trafficking.
The understanding was reached during a high-level meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and British Deputy Foreign Secretary Hamish Falconer on Wednesday in Islamabad.
The meeting focused on Pakistan-UK relations, regional developments and matters of mutual interest, including counter-terrorism cooperation, illegal migration, institutional development, police training and strengthening coordination between law-enforcement agencies of both countries.
During the talks, Hamish Falconer appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting dialogue and understanding between the United States and Iran, describing Islamabad’s efforts as a positive contribution towards regional and global peace.
The British minister also acknowledged the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir in supporting peace and stability initiatives, saying such efforts have enhanced Pakistan’s role as a contributor to regional peace.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi highlighted the progress made under the Upskill Project, saying the initiative has helped improve the professional capabilities and institutional capacity of Pakistani departments.
He said Pakistan remains committed to enhancing standards of governance and law enforcement through international cooperation and knowledge-sharing partnerships.
Both sides agreed to further strengthen collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts, preventing illegal migration, improving institutional capacity and expanding training programmes for law-enforcement personnel.
The two countries also discussed concerns related to fraudulent student visas and agreed to work together to address networks involved in visa fraud and exploitation of individuals seeking opportunities abroad.
Naqvi said Pakistan was taking strict and indiscriminate action against illegal migration networks and human trafficking groups.
He emphasized that the government was determined to dismantle criminal networks involved in exploiting vulnerable people and damaging Pakistan’s international image.
Discussing regional security challenges, the interior minister said terrorist organizations continue to operate from Afghan territory and stressed the importance of ensuring that Afghan soil is not used for activities against Pakistan.
He reiterated that Pakistan values its longstanding relationship with the United Kingdom and is committed to expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including security, economic development and institutional strengthening.
British Deputy Foreign Secretary Hamish Falconer reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to working closely with Pakistan on shared challenges and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Talal Chaudhry and Aoun Chaudhry, Interior Secretary Muhammad Khurram Agha, British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott, along with senior officials from the Federal Investigation Agency and other law-enforcement institutions.
