ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Kingdom have agreed to strengthen cooperation against fake student visas, illegal immigration, narcotics trafficking and terrorism, with both sides moving toward a memorandum of understanding to curb unlawful activities.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry discussed the measures during a meeting with UK Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Stephen Doughty in Islamabad.
The talks focused on Pakistan-UK relations and cooperation in areas including illegal migration, counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism.
Both sides stressed the need for stricter measures against the use of fraudulent student visas for travel to the United Kingdom.
They also agreed to work toward signing an MoU aimed at strengthening cooperation against illegal activities.
Naqvi said stricter scrutiny was necessary in cases involving Pakistani students travelling abroad on fake student visas.
He also said Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force had seized 55 metric tonnes of drugs being smuggled to the United Kingdom.
The meeting reviewed progress made during the 90-day period of a joint working group and discussed the next phase of bilateral cooperation.
Officials also exchanged views on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border situation and broader regional security concerns.
The situation in the Middle East was also discussed, with both sides underscoring the need to continue diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions.
Doughty appreciated Pakistan’s action against groups involved in online fraud.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, Counsellor Security Alasdair Grant and Secretary Matthew McMahon also attended the meeting.