ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the European Union exchanged views on recent regional and global developments affecting the terrorism threat landscape, unequivocally condemning terrorism in all its forms and reaffirming their shared commitment to combating the threat.
The understanding was reached during the 10th round of the annual bilateral Counter Terrorism Dialogue, held in Islamabad, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office on Thursday.
The Pakistan delegation was led by Dr Fareha Bugti, Director General (CT), while the EU side was headed by Anna Strzaska, the EU External Action Service’s Special Envoy for Counter terrorism.
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Pakistan-EU Hold Counterterrorism Dialogue
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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 22, 2026
“The EU side condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan, expressed solidarity with the suffering of innocent civilians affected and recognised the value of Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism,” it said.
Pakistan, EU express concern over security situation in Afghanistan
Pakistan and the European Union acknowledged each other’s contributions to the global fight against terrorism and expressed concern over the security implications of the situation in Afghanistan.
Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations, to promote a coordinated and comprehensive approach to counterterrorism. They underscored the importance of effective multilateralism in building lasting international consensus on combating terrorism.
Pakistan and the EU held the annual CT Dialogue in Islamabad today. Both sides reviewed ongoing bilateral and multilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism. Reaffirming their commitment, both sides agreed to carry forward their shared resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms. The dialogue also focused on the exchange of best practices and explored new avenues for partnership to counter new trends in terrorism, including exploitation of cyberspace and energy and water resources by terrorists as well as by states.
#PakistanEU #CT
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 22, 2026
The discussions also focused on the evolving nature of terrorist threats, including the exploitation of cyberspace, information, and energy resources to advance terrorist objectives.
“Pakistan and the EU exchanged best practices on preventing and countering violent extremism, terrorism financing and radicalization in all forms, particularly the use of cyberspace by terrorists, among other critical areas in addressing the evolving terrorist threat,” FO said.
They identified priority areas for cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to regular, institutionalized engagement on counterterrorism.
It was agreed that the next round of the counterterrorism dialogue will be held in Brussels at a mutually convenient date next year.
Illegal migration from Pakistan to Europe falls 64%
Last month, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that the country has recorded a 64 per cent drop in illegal migration to Europe, highlighting government efforts to curb human smuggling and unlawful migration.
ALSO READ: Illegal Migration from Pakistan to Europe Falls 64pc: Interior Minister
The Interior Minister made the remarks during separate meetings with the Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Susanne Raab and the Executive Director of the European Union Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), Hans Leijtens.
The meetings focused on strengthening cooperation to prevent illegal migration, improve border management, and enhance joint efforts in the field.
During the discussions, Pakistan, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and Frontex agreed to expand cooperation aimed at curbing illegal migration and strengthening border security mechanisms.
