Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan and the United Kingdom have agreed to expand cooperation in counterterrorism, anti-narcotics operations, cybercrime, immigration, coast guard activities and institutional training, Ministry of Interior said on Friday.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and UK Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis at the Ministry of Interior, followed by delegation-level discussions on strengthening bilateral security cooperation.
According to the ministry, Jarvis acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices and efforts in combating terrorism and praised the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for its performance in curbing illegal immigration.
“Cybercrime is an international issue, and all countries must work together to effectively address it,” Jarvis said, expressing the UK’s interest in expanding cooperation with Pakistan across several areas.
The two sides also agreed to finalize a memorandum of understanding on anti-narcotics cooperation in the near future. The proposed agreement is expected to make collaboration between the UK’s National Crime Agency and Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) fully operational.
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Naqvi said Pakistani authorities had thwarted 330 cases involving attempts to smuggle drugs to the United Kingdom over the past few years, highlighting the need for continued coordination between the two countries.
Both sides further agreed to convene a meeting of the working group established between their respective interior ministries to advance cooperation and review progress on agreed initiatives.
The UK minister also praised progress under the Upskill project, which aims to strengthen the professional capacity of Pakistani institutions through training and skills development.
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British High Commissioner Jane Marriott and officials from relevant Pakistani security and government institutions attended the meeting.
The discussions reflect ongoing efforts by Islamabad and London to broaden cooperation on transnational security challenges, including organized crime, illicit drug trafficking, cybercrime and irregular migration.
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