Pakistan and Britain have agreed to expand security cooperation on terrorism, drug trafficking, illegal immigration and visa fraud, following a visit to Islamabad by UK security minister Dan Jarvis. The talks also covered the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), cybercrime, coast guards and training programmes. Both countries agreed to practical steps, with the focus on sharing information and making action against criminal networks more effective.
Talks with Ishaq Dar and Mohsin Naqvi
Jarvis met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Their discussions covered the situation in Afghanistan, regional security, and joint measures against terrorism and serious organised crime. Officials also stressed better information sharing between law enforcement agencies on both sides.
Jarvis then visited the Interior Ministry, where he met Naqvi and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry. Delegation-level talks followed, and both countries agreed to widen cooperation in the same areas. UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott and British officials attended, along with Pakistani officials including the NADRA chairman and the heads of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF).
Drugs, visa fraud and cybercrime
On counter-narcotics, the two sides decided to finalise a memorandum of understanding (MoU), a formal written agreement, soon. Once it is in place, cooperation between the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) and Pakistan's ANF will be fully operational. In the discussion, Naqvi cited 330 cases of smuggled drugs foiled over a few years.
Jarvis praised the FIA's work in curbing illegal immigration. He said cybercrime is an international problem that all countries need to tackle together, and that the two countries already cooperate well in several fields and want to widen that work. He also acknowledged Pakistan's sacrifices and efforts in the fight against terrorism. Jarvis added that the shared security threats faced by both countries could be met more effectively together.
Next steps
A working group linking the interior ministries of the two countries will be convened soon. Naqvi welcomed progress under the Upscale project, which he said is proving important in strengthening the capacity of Pakistani institutions. No dates have been given for the working group meeting or for the signing of the MoU.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Pakistan aur Britain ne dehshatgardi, drugs, ghair qanooni immigration aur visa fraud ke khilaf milkar kaam barhane par itifaq kiya hai. NADRA, cybercrime aur coast guards jaise shobay bhi is taawun mein shamil hain. Aam shehri ke liye abhi tak koi nayi fees ya naya qanoon ka elaan nahi hua. Agle qadam mein working group ka ijlas aur drugs ke MoU par dastakhat hona hain.
