ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and UK officials discussed expanding cooperation in security, immigration and strengthening bilateral ties, Pakistani state media reported on Friday, as Islamabad clamps down on illegal immigration and militancy.
The development took place during a meeting between Pakistan’s State Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Tallal Chaudry and UK Minister of State for International Development and Africa, Baroness Chapman, during her visit to Islamabad.
Pakistan has intensified its crackdown on illegal immigration and human smuggling in recent years following a series of deadly boat tragedies involving citizens attempting to reach Europe. The interior ministry this week said Pakistan had recorded a 47 percent drop in cases of illegal immigration to Europe due to the crackdown.
“Baroness Chapman praised Pakistan’s efforts in improving immigration cooperation between the two countries and expressed the UK’s commitment to expanding joint initiatives,” the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported.
“The meeting highlighted a shared resolve to deepen bilateral collaboration in security, immigration, and regional stability.”
The state media said Chapman praised Pakistan’s efforts in improving immigration cooperation between the two countries, expressing the UK’s commitment to expanding joint initiatives.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the security situation, Afghanistan-related issues and Pakistan’s recent extradition requests to the UK involving two prominent pro-Imran Khan figures — former accountability adviser Shehzad Akbar and YouTuber-commentator Adil Raja.
Pakistani authorities accuse the two personalities of being involved in anti-state propaganda. Both deny the charges.
The APP said the meeting also featured discussions on the Upscale Program, a UK-funded initiative to strengthen cooperation against illegal immigration, extradition, illicit finance, online child protection and anti-narcotics efforts.
