Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry held a meeting with UK Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Stephen Doughty. The meeting focused on Pakistan-UK relations and enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly illegal immigration, counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism.
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?During the meeting, the need for joint and stringent measures to curb the trend of travelling to the United Kingdom on fake student visas was emphasized.
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?The two sides agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pakistan and the United Kingdom to prevent illegal activities.
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?The meeting also covered the situation in the Middle East and Pakistan’s positive role in the region. Both sides emphasized the need to continue diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region.
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?The progress made during the 90-day period of the Joint Working Group and the future course of action were also reviewed. The border situation with Afghanistan was also discussed.
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?Speaking on the occasion, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that strict scrutiny was essential in cases involving Pakistani students travelling abroad on fake student visas. He said that the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) had seized 55 metric tons of drugs being smuggled to the United Kingdom.
?UK Minister of State Stephen Doughty appreciated Pakistan’s vigorous action against elements involved in online fraud in the country.
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?British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, Counsellor Security Alasdair Grant and Secretary Matthew McMahon were also present on the occasion.
