Islamabad and London also plan closer collaboration on anti-narcotics efforts, immigration and law enforcement following talks between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and UK Security Minister Dan Jarvis.
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan and the United Kingdom have agreed to strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism, cybercrime, anti-narcotics operations and immigration following high-level talks in Islamabad, Pakistan’s Interior Ministry said on Friday.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and visiting UK Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis at the Ministry of Interior. Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry also attended the discussions.
The talks focused on expanding collaboration between the two countries’ law enforcement and security institutions as they seek to address cross-border threats and organised crime.
Pakistan and UK to strengthen law enforcement cooperation
According to the Interior Ministry, both sides agreed to expand cooperation in counterterrorism, anti-narcotics efforts, cybercrime and immigration.
The two countries also agreed to finalise a memorandum of understanding on anti-narcotics cooperation at the earliest. The proposed agreement is expected to strengthen operational collaboration between the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF).
Naqvi told the visiting minister that Pakistani authorities had foiled 330 cases involving narcotics smuggling to the United Kingdom over the past few years.
The two sides also agreed to convene a meeting of the working group established between their interior ministries.
UK minister acknowledges Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts
During the meeting, Jarvis acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifices in combating terrorism.
He also praised the performance of Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency in addressing illegal immigration.
Jarvis described cybercrime as an international challenge that requires countries to work together. He said Pakistan and the UK already had strong cooperation in several areas and wanted to expand it further.
Naqvi, meanwhile, highlighted progress under the UK-Pakistan Serious Crime and Law Enforcement Project, describing it as important for strengthening the capabilities of Pakistani institutions.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott and other relevant British officials also attended the meeting.
Counterterrorism dialogue highlights regional security concerns
The latest discussions followed the annual Pakistan-UK Counterterrorism Dialogue held in Islamabad on November 4.
During that dialogue, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism and discussed threats posed by terrorist organisations and transnational networks.
According to Pakistan’s official account of the meeting, both sides expressed concern about groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), operating in and from Afghanistan. They also discussed ways to counter emerging threats involving misinformation, disinformation, social media platforms and new technologies.
The delegations agreed to strengthen institutional links and maintain regular engagement. The next round of the counterterrorism dialogue is scheduled to take place in London in 2027, on mutually agreed dates.
Broader Pakistan-UK engagement
Jarvis also met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar during his visit.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Dar and Jarvis discussed further cooperation in security, law enforcement, migration, trade and investment, alongside regional and international developments.
