Pakistan and the United Kingdom have agreed to strengthen cooperation across several security areas, including counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics work, cybercrime, immigration, coast guard operations and training. The Ministry of Interior announced the understanding in a Friday statement.
The agreement followed a meeting at the ministry between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and UK Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis. Delegation-level talks were also held by the two sides.
Jarvis praises Pakistan’s counter-terrorism and immigration efforts
According to the ministry, Jarvis acknowledged the sacrifices and efforts Pakistan has made in the fight against terrorism. He also commended the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for its work in curbing illegal immigration.
“Cybercrime is an international issue, and all countries must work together to effectively address it,” Jarvis said. He added that the two countries already had strong ties in several fields and wanted to broaden them.
Anti-narcotics memorandum and joint working group planned
The two sides agreed to finalise a memorandum of understanding on anti-narcotics cooperation soon. The deal is expected to make links between the UK’s National Crime Agency and Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) fully operational.
Naqvi said 330 cases involving drugs smuggled to the UK had been thwarted over the past few years. Both sides also agreed to convene a working group set up between their interior ministries.
Jarvis praised progress under the upskill project, saying it was helping build the capacity of Pakistani institutions. British High Commissioner Jane Marriott and officials from Pakistani security and government bodies also attended.
