rki.news | Source: PID Islamabad
ISLAMABAD, Oct. 7: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry met UK Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Stephen Doughty to discuss Pakistan-UK relations and cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The meeting focused on illegal immigration, counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism. Both sides stressed the need for joint and stringent measures to curb the practice of travelling to the United Kingdom on fake student visas.
The two sides also agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between Pakistan and the United Kingdom to prevent illegal activities.
The meeting reviewed the situation in the Middle East and Pakistan’s positive role in the region. Both sides emphasized continued diplomatic efforts to help reduce regional tensions.
Progress made during the 90-day period of the Joint Working Group and its future course of action were also reviewed. The border situation with Afghanistan was discussed as well.
Naqvi said strict scrutiny was essential in cases involving Pakistani students travelling abroad on fake student visas. He said the Anti-Narcotics Force had seized 55 metric tons of drugs being smuggled to the United Kingdom.
Doughty appreciated Pakistan’s vigorous action against elements involved in online fraud.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, Counsellor Security Alasdair Grant and Secretary Matthew McMahon also attended the meeting.
Pakistan UK Discuss Cooperation Against Illegal Immigration and Crime
