ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and the United Kingdom (UK) have agreed to work jointly on resolving issues related to students’ visa fraud as part of broader efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and UK Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hamish Falconer in Islamabad.
The discussions covered bilateral relations, regional developments, and expanding cooperation in multiple areas, including counter-terrorism, prevention of illegal migration, institutional capacity building, and police training.
During the meeting, the British minister appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace, particularly in connection with recent US-Iran diplomatic understandings. He also acknowledged the contributions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, stating that their efforts had played a significant role in supporting peace initiatives.
Hamish Falconer further said that the US-Iran rapprochement had highlighted Pakistan’s constructive role in regional and global peace efforts.
Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in tackling illegal migration and human smuggling networks, as well as strengthening institutional collaboration between relevant agencies.
Mohsin Naqvi said that Pakistan was taking indiscriminate action against illegal migration and human trafficking networks, adding that the UPSCALE project was producing positive results by improving the capacity of Pakistani institutions.
The interior minister also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening relations with the United Kingdom and improving coordination in security-related fields.
The two sides also agreed to jointly address issues related to fake student visas, according to officials.
Naqvi further stated that several terrorist organisations were operating from Afghan territory and stressed that the Afghan government must prevent the use of its soil against Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Ali Pervez Malik, Talal Chaudhry and Aun Chaudhry, along with Interior Secretary Muhammad Khurram Agha, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, DG FIA, Commandant National Police Academy and DG NCCIA.
UK Visa Application from Pakistan Now Fully Online; full details here
