ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Kingdom on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in counterterrorism, security, immigration and institutional capacity-building during talks between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office Hamish Falconer in Islamabad.

According to a statement issued by the Pakistan interior ministry, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional developments, with particular focus on expanding cooperation in counterterrorism, illegal immigration, institutional partnerships, and police training.

The meeting comes as Pakistan continues efforts to strengthen border management, combat human trafficking networks, and enhance cooperation with international partners on security challenges.

Naqvi highlighted progress achieved under the Upskill Project, saying the initiative had delivered encouraging results and significantly improved the capabilities of Pakistani institutions.

"The government is committed to strengthening professional standards and institutional capabilities through international partnerships," the minister said, according to the statement.

The two sides also agreed to work closely on addressing the issue of fraudulent student visas, which both countries view as a growing concern.

Naqvi said Pakistan was taking indiscriminate action against illegal immigration networks and human trafficking syndicates, emphasizing the government's resolve to dismantle criminal groups that exploit vulnerable people.

On regional security, the interior minister said several terrorist organizations were operating from Afghan soil and stressed that Afghanistan must prevent its territory from being used to launch terrorist activities against Pakistan.

He reaffirmed Islamabad's commitment to expanding cooperation with the United Kingdom, saying Pakistan values its longstanding partnership with London and seeks to further strengthen ties across multiple sectors.

According to the ministry, Falconer appreciated Pakistan's role in facilitating understanding between the United States and Iran and said Islamabad's efforts to ease tensions had highlighted its contribution to regional and international peace.

The British minister also commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir for their role in promoting peace and stability, the statement said.

British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State

Pakistan, UK deepen counterterrorism, immigration cooperation during Islamabad meeting