Pakistan is aiming to enhance Pakistan-UK cooperation across all sectors of mutual interest, with a strong focus on security, counter-terrorism, and cross-border crime prevention. This message was delivered by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during a high-level meeting with the UK’s Minister for Faith and Communities, Lord Wajid Khan, in Islamabad on Wednesday.
High-Level Dialogue in Islamabad
The meeting brought together key stakeholders from both nations, including Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, and Home Secretary Khurram Agha. Their discussions revolved around broadening bilateral engagement in security, governance, and social development.
Minister Naqvi emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to building a comprehensive partnership with the United Kingdom. He noted that the historical connection and shared values between the two countries provide a strong foundation for deeper cooperation.
Tackling Shared Security Challenges
Security cooperation formed a major part of the dialogue. Both sides agreed on the importance of joint efforts in combating terrorism and addressing emerging transnational threats. They discussed enhancing intelligence sharing, capacity building for law enforcement, and modernizing border security systems.
Naqvi pointed out Pakistan’s continued commitment to counter-terrorism operations and expressed interest in learning from the UK’s experiences in public safety, cybersecurity, and policing reforms.
In response, Lord Wajid Khan acknowledged Pakistan’s role as a regional player in countering extremism. He praised Pakistan’s ongoing sacrifices in the global war on terror and reaffirmed the UK’s readiness to expand technical and strategic collaboration in this area.
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Preventing Cross-Border Crime
Another key topic was the need to curb cross-border criminal activity, including trafficking, smuggling, and organized crime. The ministers highlighted the growing importance of coordinated strategies, particularly in light of evolving threats that affect both countries.
Discussions included potential cooperation on border surveillance technologies, joint training programs for border personnel, and legal frameworks for information exchange.
Strengthening Diplomatic and Community Ties
Beyond security, both nations expressed a desire to promote people-to-people engagement, especially through cultural, educational, and faith-based initiatives. Lord Wajid Khan, who has deep roots in the British Pakistani community, emphasized the UK’s appreciation of the positive contributions made by the Pakistani diaspora.
He also acknowledged the importance of faith-based dialogue in promoting understanding, tolerance, and coexistence within diverse communities in both countries.
Minister Naqvi welcomed these remarks and noted that community-level collaboration can play a significant role in shaping stronger diplomatic relations.
A Vision for Long-Term Engagement
The meeting ended with both sides expressing optimism for a new phase in bilateral relations. They agreed to form working groups to explore specific areas of cooperation and to maintain regular communication at the ministerial level.
This renewed push for Pakistan-UK cooperation signals a broader strategic intent—one that blends security, development, and cultural diplomacy to build a partnership rooted in mutual respect and common goals.
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