Pakistan, UK agree to expand cooperation in counterterrorism, cybercrime and immigration

British Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis visited Pakistan and held meetings with senior officials, during which the two countries agreed to expand cooperation in counter-terrorism, drug control, cybercrime, immigration and other security-related areas.

Jarvis reportedly met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Discussions focused on the situation in Afghanistan, regional security, counterterrorism, and joint countermeasures against serious organized crime.

The two countries agreed to expand substantive cooperation in the fight against terrorism, organized crime, illegal immigration and visa fraud. They also stressed the need to improve information sharing, strengthen cooperation between law enforcement agencies, and take more effective measures against criminal and terrorist networks.

Mr Jarvis said Pakistan and the UK face common security threats and working together to overcome them can improve the security of both countries. During his visit to the Home Office, Prime Minister Jarvis also met with Mr Naqvi and Home Minister Talal Chaudhry. Delegation-level consultations were also held between the two countries.

The discussions covered cooperation in counterterrorism, narcotics control, NADRA, cybercrime, immigration, coast guards and training programmes. The British minister praised the Federal Investigation Agency’s performance in preventing illegal immigration and said cybercrime was an international challenge requiring coordinated efforts by all countries. Mr Jarvis acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices and efforts in the fight against terrorism. The two countries also agreed to conclude a memorandum of understanding on counter-narcotics cooperation soon. The proposed agreement would enable full cooperation between the UK National Crime Agency and Pakistan’s counter-narcotics force. Mr Naqvi said Pakistani authorities had thwarted 330 drug trafficking cases into the UK in recent years. The two countries also agreed to hold a meeting of a working group established between the interior ministries in the near future. Mr. Naqvi praised the progress of the skill development project, saying it is important for capacity building of Pakistan’s institutions. British High Commissioner Jane Marriott and senior officials from Pakistan’s home affairs, law enforcement, immigration and security departments also attended the meeting.