Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan and the United Kingdom have agreed to strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism, combating illegal migration and human smuggling, as well as expanding institutional collaboration and police training.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and British Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia and the UN Hamish Falconer in Islamabad.
According to Pakistan’s interior ministry, both sides agreed to broaden cooperation across multiple areas, including law enforcement coordination, capacity building, and joint efforts to curb irregular migration networks.
Falconer, during the meeting, praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating recent diplomatic efforts related to the US–Iran peace framework, describing it as a constructive contribution to regional stability. He said that Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, had played a “historic role” in supporting peace efforts.
The British minister also said that the emerging US–Iran understanding had helped project Pakistan as a “flag-bearer of global peace,” according to the statement.
Read More: UK MP Backs Pakistan’s Right to Self-Defense Amid Attacks from Afghanistan
Discussions also covered ongoing UK–Pakistan cooperation projects, including training and institutional development initiatives. The interior ministry said progress under the UPSCALE programme had improved the capacity of Pakistani institutions.
Minister Naqvi reiterated that Pakistan was taking strict action against illegal migration and human smuggling, stressing that enforcement was being carried out without discrimination.
Both sides also addressed concerns related to fake student visa schemes and agreed to enhance coordination to tackle fraudulent documentation and migration pathways.
The meeting further included an exchange of views on regional security, with Pakistan raising concerns over militant groups operating from Afghan territory and urging Kabul to prevent its soil from being used for cross-border attacks.
Falconer has previously acknowledged Pakistan’s right under international law to respond to external threats originating from Afghanistan, while also calling for continued dialogue and regional stability.
Read More: Pakistan Army Secures First Place at International Drill Contest in UK
Earlier this week, the UK announced additional funding of £8 million to support joint initiatives with Pakistan aimed at reducing organized crime and illegal migration, underscoring what both sides described as a strengthening security partnership.
Officials said the meeting reflected a broader effort by Islamabad and London to deepen cooperation at a time of shifting regional dynamics and increasing focus on migration and security challenges.
