Islamabad:Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Wednesday met UK Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Stephen Doughty to discuss Pakistan-United Kingdom relations and ways to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration against illegal immigration, drug trafficking and terrorism. Both sides discussed the need for closer coordination to address these challenges and improve joint efforts.
The participants stressed the need for strict measures to prevent the growing trend of travelling to the United Kingdom through fake student visas. They agreed that stronger checks and coordinated action were necessary to curb such practices.
Pakistan and the United Kingdom also agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at preventing illegal activities and improving cooperation between the two countries.
The discussion covered the situation in the Middle East and Pakistan’s role in promoting stability. Both sides emphasized the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region.
The meeting reviewed the 90-day progress of the Joint Working Group and discussed its future roadmap. Matters related to the border situation with Afghanistan also came under discussion.
Speaking during the meeting, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said strict scrutiny was essential in cases involving Pakistani students travelling abroad through fake student visas.
Mohsin Naqvi also informed the participants that the Anti-Narcotics Force had seized 55 metric tons of drugs that were being smuggled to the United Kingdom.
UK Minister Stephen Doughty appreciated Pakistan’s actions against individuals involved in online fraud and praised the efforts made to tackle such activities.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, Consular Security official Alasdair Grant and Secretary Matthew McMahon were also present during the meeting.