ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Kingdom on Thursday agreed to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism, narcotics control, and cybercrimes.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi and Director General of the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), Graeme Biggar.
The two sides held in-depth discussions on enhancing cooperation in counter-terrorism, narcotics control, human trafficking prevention, forensic sciences, immigration, and police training.
They agreed to strengthen mutual collaboration, particularly through training programmes for officers of Pakistan’s anti-narcotics and law enforcement agencies.
A joint commitment was made to bolster coordination efforts aimed at combating online child exploitation. Furthermore, it was agreed that five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering extradition and other areas of mutual interest between Pakistan and the United Kingdom will be finalised in the near future.
DG Graeme Biggar condemned the recent suicide attack in Islamabad and expressed sorrow over the loss of lives.
“Terrorism’s roots are linked to our neighboring country,” said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to eradicate terrorism. “The world cannot ignore Pakistan’s resilience and determination in this fight,” he added.
Naqvi highlighted that modern forensic support and advanced training would significantly strengthen the capabilities of Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies. He added that effective measures, in collaboration with the United Kingdom, were already underway to curb illegal immigration.
Graeme Biggar commended Pakistan’s efforts in the fight against narcotics and reaffirmed the National Crime Agency’s commitment to sustaining close cooperation with the Government of Pakistan across various areas of mutual interest.
The British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott, and other senior Pakistani officials were also present in the meeting.
