Pakistan, UK to Deepen Security and Cybercrime TiesPakistan

During the meeting, the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, cybercrime, immigration and coast guards, as well as in the work of NADRA, the national identity registration authority.

Mr Jarvis praised the Federal Investigation Agency for its work in preventing illegal immigration. He said cybercrime was an international problem and that all countries needed to work together to combat it.

The British minister said there was excellent cooperation between Pakistan and the United Kingdom in various sectors and that both countries wanted to expand it further. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices and efforts in the war against terrorism.

Both sides decided to soon finalise a memorandum of understanding on counter-narcotics. Cooperation between the UK’s National Crime Agency and Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force is also to be strengthened under the agreement.

There was consensus at the meeting to convene soon a meeting of the Working Group established between the Pakistan and UK Home Ministries, so that follow-up on the agreed areas of cooperation can move ahead.

Mr Naqvi appreciated the progress made under the Upskill Project, saying it was proving extremely important in enhancing the capacity of Pakistani institutions.

The discussions covered a broad range of shared concerns, from tackling terrorism and drug trafficking to curbing cybercrime and unlawful migration. Both sides agreed that closer coordination between their law enforcement and border agencies would help them respond more effectively to challenges that cross national borders, and that the planned memorandum of understanding and the Working Group meeting would provide a practical framework for taking the agreed cooperation forward.

Mr Jarvis is on a visit to Islamabad, during which he met Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday before holding talks at the Interior Ministry on Friday. Officials said the discussions reflected the shared interest of both countries in closer practical cooperation on security, migration and organised crime.