Pakistan and UK agree to strengthen co-op against terrorism, smuggling
The agreement was reached during talks between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and visiting British Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis at the Ministry of Interior. Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry also attended the meeting, according to the Interior Ministry.
Pakistan and UK to strengthen anti-narcotics cooperation
Both countries agreed to finalise a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on anti-narcotics cooperation as soon as possible. The agreement will help improve coordination between the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF).
During the meeting, Naqvi informed the British minister that Pakistani authorities had stopped 330 cases of narcotics smuggling to the UK over the past few years. The two sides also agreed to hold a meeting of the working group established between the interior ministries of both countries.
The proposed MoU is expected to make cooperation between the two law enforcement agencies more effective. It will also help both countries improve efforts to identify and prevent drug smuggling networks.
UK appreciates Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism
British Minister Dan Jarvis praised the performance of Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in controlling illegal immigration. He also recognised Pakistan’s sacrifices and efforts in the fight against terrorism.
Jarvis said cybercrime had become an international challenge that could not be controlled by one country alone. He stressed that countries needed to work together to deal with this growing threat.
He also said Pakistan and the UK already had strong cooperation in several areas. Both countries wanted to expand these relations further through joint efforts and better coordination.
Both countries focus on serious crimes and security
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi appreciated the progress made under the UK-Pakistan Serious Crime and Law Enforcement Project. He said the bilateral initiative was playing an important role in improving the skills and working capacity of Pakistani institutions.
The project supports cooperation between the two countries in law enforcement and security matters. It is aimed at helping Pakistani authorities deal more effectively with serious crimes and other security challenges.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott and other relevant British officials also attended the meeting. Their participation reflected the importance both countries are giving to stronger security and law enforcement ties.
British minister visits Pakistan for security talks
Dan Jarvis is visiting Pakistan for the first time to discuss important regional and security issues with senior Pakistani officials. His visit includes discussions on regional stability, counterterrorism, organised crime, illegal immigration and visa fraud.
On Thursday, Jarvis also held meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. These meetings focused on strengthening cooperation between Pakistan and the UK on shared security concerns.
The agreement shows that Pakistan and the UK want closer cooperation to tackle crimes that cross international borders. Drug smuggling, cybercrime and illegal immigration require information sharing and joint action.
The proposed anti-narcotics agreement could improve coordination between Pakistani and British agencies. However, its success will depend on how quickly both countries turn their commitments into practical action.
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