Pakistan, UK agree to deepen cooperation in security, trade and migration

On Thursday, Pakistan and the United Kingdom reached an agreement to strengthen their cooperation across various domains, according to the Foreign Office. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with UK Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis in Islamabad, where both parties reviewed their existing bilateral relations and pledged to "further deepen cooperation in security, law enforcement, migration, trade, and investment."

During the meeting, Dar and Jarvis also exchanged perspectives on regional and global developments and discussed future meetings under the R4 + E4 framework, which refers to a gathering of two regional groups in Istanbul the previous month. Dar emphasized the significance of sustained Pakistan-UK collaboration on bilateral matters and regional issues of mutual concern, as stated by the Foreign Office.

The day prior to the meeting, Pakistan and the UK expressed alarm over terrorism originating from Afghanistan during their regular bilateral counter-terrorism dialogue in Islamabad. The two sides engaged in thorough discussions about the evolving security landscape both regionally and globally, focusing on the threats posed by terrorist entities, including transnational networks.

Both nations expressed apprehension about the ongoing threat posed by terrorist groups, including Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, operating across and from Afghanistan, highlighting the urgent need for a stable, secure Afghanistan as a foundation for enduring peace and prosperity in the region.

Pakistan and the UK have also been actively involved in the Enhanced Strategic Dialogue since 2011, which has further solidified and broadened their dialogue. This forum covers a wide range of topics, including trade, economic growth and development, cultural cooperation, security, and education.