Pakistan and the European Union have agreed to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, including efforts to counter violent extremism, terrorist financing and the misuse of cyberspace. The agreement was reached during the 10th round of the bilateral counterterrorism dialogue, held in Islamabad on Thursday, the Foreign Office said in a statement posted on X.
The Pakistani delegation was led by Director General Counterterrorism Dr Fareha Bugti. The EU side was headed by Anna Strzaska, the Special Envoy for Counterterrorism at the European External Action Service, which is the bloc's diplomatic service.
What the two sides discussed
Both sides reviewed recent regional and global developments affecting the terrorism threat. They condemned terrorism in all its forms and reaffirmed their commitment to fighting it. The EU delegation also condemned recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan, expressed solidarity with the victims and acknowledged Islamabad's efforts, the Foreign Office said.
The talks focused on emerging threats, particularly the way terrorist groups use cyberspace, information and energy resources to advance their aims. Delegations exchanged good practice on preventing violent extremism, cutting terrorist financing, meaning the flow of money to militant groups, and addressing radicalisation. The Foreign Office said the growing use of digital platforms by terrorist organisations was a particular concern.
Multilateral cooperation and Afghanistan
The two sides agreed to work more closely in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, to develop a coordinated approach to counterterrorism. They stressed the importance of effective multilateralism, meaning countries working together through shared international bodies, in building lasting consensus against terrorism.
Both sides also expressed concern over the security implications of the situation in Afghanistan. Each side recognised the other's role in the global fight against terrorism, and both identified priority areas for future cooperation.
What happens next
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to regular, institutionalised engagement on counterterrorism, meaning meetings held on a set footing rather than only when a crisis arises. The next round of the bilateral dialogue will be held in Brussels next year, on a date convenient to both sides, the Foreign Office said.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Pakistan aur European Union ne dehshatgardi ke khilaf taawun barhane par itifaq kiya hai. Islamabad mein hui baat-cheet mein intehapasandi, dehshatgardi ke liye paisay ki faraham aur online platforms ke ghalat istemal par zor diya gaya. Dono taraf ne Afghanistan ki surat-e-haal par tashweesh bhi zahir ki. Agli baat-cheet agle saal Brussels mein hogi, aur aam shehri ke liye iska matlab hai ke hukumatain mil kar khatre par kaam karengi.
