ISLAMABAD - Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Saturday welcomed UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy upon his arrival at the Ministry of Interior.
During their meeting, both leaders discussed Pakistan-UK relations, bilateral cooperation, and development partnerships.
Mohsin Naqvi stated that Pakistan acts as a strong bulwark in the fight against terrorism and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties and enhancing mutual cooperation with the United Kingdom.
Appreciating the UK’s support under the UPSCALE (UK Pakistan Serious Crime and Law Enforcement) Programme, the interior minister said the initiative was playing a key role in curbing organised crime. He added that under the programme, both countries were working jointly in the areas of illegal immigration, online child harassment, mutual legal assistance and extradition, criminal record exchange, sex offender management, illicit financing, and counter-narcotics.
The minister highlighted that the cooperation under the UPSCALE Programme was yielding positive results in preventing serious and organised crimes. He said that with the support of the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) seized 4.3 tonnes of opium, valued at £22 million.
The British foreign secretary thanked Pakistan for facilitating the relocation of Afghan refugees to the UK. He also expressed satisfaction over the successful progress of the UPSCALE Programme.
Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, interior secretary, director general (DG) Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and senior UK officials were also present on the occasion.