The United Kingdom has praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote regional peace while reaffirming its commitment to expanding cooperation with Islamabad on security, law enforcement, and migration management.
The remarks were made during a high-level meeting in Islamabad between British Deputy Foreign Secretary Hamish Falconer and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, where both sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed key regional and international developments.
During the meeting, Falconer commended Pakistan’s role in encouraging dialogue and easing regional tensions, particularly its reported efforts to improve communication between the United States and Iran. He described Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement as a positive contribution to regional and global peace.
The British deputy foreign secretary also praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their leadership in promoting stability and constructive diplomacy, saying Pakistan had strengthened its international reputation through its peace initiatives.
The discussions also focused on expanding cooperation in counterterrorism, border security, illegal migration, police training, and institutional capacity building. Both countries agreed to enhance coordination between their respective agencies to address shared security challenges.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi highlighted the progress of the Upskill Project, stating that the initiative has helped improve the professional capabilities of Pakistani institutions. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening public institutions through international collaboration.
Pakistan and the United Kingdom also agreed to work together to combat fraudulent student visa schemes, an issue that has increasingly concerned authorities in both countries.
Addressing migration issues, Naqvi said Pakistan is continuing its crackdown on illegal migration networks and human trafficking organisations. He stressed that law enforcement agencies remain committed to dismantling criminal groups that exploit vulnerable individuals.
On regional security, the interior minister expressed concern over the presence of militant groups operating from Afghan territory and urged Afghan authorities to prevent their soil from being used for activities that threaten Pakistan’s security.
Naqvi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its longstanding partnership with the United Kingdom, noting that both nations have significant opportunities to expand cooperation across security, governance, and development sectors.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials, federal ministers, representatives of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), law enforcement authorities, and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, reflecting the importance both countries place on deepening bilateral cooperation.
