ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations by expanding cooperation in security, law enforcement and migration management during a high-level meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and British Deputy Foreign Secretary Hamish Falconer on Wednesday.
The meeting focused on Pakistan-UK relations and the regional security situation, with both sides exchanging views on counter-terrorism, illegal migration, institutional cooperation and police training.
During the talks, Falconer praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating understanding between the United States and Iran, describing Islamabad’s contribution as an important step towards promoting regional and global peace.
He commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for what he described as a historic role in advancing peace and stability, adding that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts had strengthened its image as a constructive advocate of global peace.
Naqvi highlighted the progress achieved under the Upskill Project, saying the initiative had delivered encouraging results by enhancing the professional capacity of Pakistani institutions. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening institutional capabilities through international cooperation.
The two sides agreed to further expand collaboration in counter-terrorism, efforts to curb illegal migration, institutional development and law enforcement training programmes. They also agreed to work closely on addressing the growing issue of fraudulent student visas, which has become a shared concern for authorities in both countries.
The interior minister said Pakistan was continuing indiscriminate action against illegal migration networks and human trafficking syndicates, stressing the government’s determination to dismantle criminal organisations exploiting vulnerable individuals.
Addressing regional security, Naqvi said several terrorist groups continued to operate from Afghan territory and urged the Afghan authorities to ensure that their soil is not used for activities directed against Pakistan.
Reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to stronger ties with London, Naqvi said Pakistan highly valued its longstanding partnership with the United Kingdom and looked forward to further enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors.
The meeting was also attended by federal ministers Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Talal Chaudhry and Aoun Chaudhry, Interior Secretary Muhammad Khurram Agha, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, and senior officials from the Federal Investigation Agency and other law enforcement institutions.