ISLAMABAD – With terrorism, drug trafficking and cybercrime posing growing security threats, Pakistan and UK joined hands for major crackdown as both sides agreed to strengthen joint operations, building cooperation that has already helped foil hundreds of drug-smuggling cases.
The discussion came during high-level talks in Islamabad on Friday between Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and British Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis, with both sides outlining fresh measures to tackle increasingly complex security threats.
برطانوی وزیر مملکت برائے سکیورٹی ڈین جاروس کی وزارت داخلہ آمد،وفاقی وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی اور وزیر مملکت طلال چوہدری سے ملاقات
وفاقی وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی اور برطانوی وزیر مملکت سکیورٹی ڈین جاروس کے درمیان وفود کی سطح پر بھی مذاکرات https://t.co/9PuvXhr3O1— Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) November 6, 2026
The two countries agreed to accelerate efforts to strengthen counter-narcotics operations, with preparations underway to finalise a memorandum of understanding aimed at formalising their cooperation.
A key priority is making the partnership between Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) fully operational, potentially opening the door to more effective coordination against drug trafficking networks operating across international borders.
The discussions also covered involvement of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), reflecting the importance of maritime cooperation in tackling cross-border criminal activities. Naqvi highlighted the success of past joint efforts, pointing to the 330 drug-smuggling cases prevented through cooperation between the two nations.
Beyond narcotics trafficking, the talks placed considerable emphasis on emerging cyber threats and the challenges posed by illegal immigration.
British Security Minister Dan Jarvis praised the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for its performance in preventing unlawful migration, recognising Pakistan’s efforts to address a problem affecting several countries. He also warned that cybercrime had become a challenge extending far beyond national borders, making international partnerships essential for combating digital criminal networks.
Both governments expressed their willingness to expand cooperation in immigration management, cybersecurity and other law enforcement matters. The meeting also produced an understanding to strengthen collaboration involving the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), coast guard agencies and specialised training programmes.
These initiatives are intended to improve institutional coordination, enhance operational capabilities and provide additional opportunities for technical cooperation between Pakistani and British authorities.
The two ministers further agreed to convene a meeting of the bilateral working group established between their interior ministries to review progress and advance new security initiatives. Naqvi welcomed the progress achieved under the Upskill Project, describing it as an important initiative for strengthening the professional capabilities of Pakistani institutions.
During the meeting, Jarvis acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and appreciated the country’s continuing efforts to counter extremist threats. UK minister described existing Pakistan-UK cooperation as strong across multiple sectors but emphasised the need to expand the relationship further to confront changing security challenges.
UK partnership opens more opportunities for Pakistanis to study in Britain
