Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi affirmed on Saturday that Pakistan stands as an “iron wall” in the global fight against terrorism, highlighting the country’s firm commitment to regional and international security.
The statement came during a meeting between Naqvi and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who arrived at the Ministry of Interior in Islamabad as part of his official visit to Pakistan. The two officials held detailed discussions on Pakistan-UK bilateral relations, mutual cooperation, and developmental partnerships.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s intent to strengthen ties with the United Kingdom, Minister Naqvi expressed appreciation for the British government’s support through the “UpSkill” programme, which has played a vital role in combating organised crime and enhancing law enforcement capacities.
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“The UpSkill programme has yielded positive outcomes, contributing significantly to crime prevention and institutional development,” said Naqvi, emphasizing the success of joint initiatives.
He also highlighted a recent major breakthrough by Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), which, in collaboration with the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), seized 4.3 tons of opium worth approximately £22 million. The seizure is being seen as a major blow to international drug trafficking networks.
During the meeting, Foreign Secretary David Lammy thanked Pakistan for its continued cooperation, particularly in facilitating the resettlement of Afghan refugees in the UK. He also welcomed the progress of the UpSkill programme and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Pakistan.
“Our cooperation with Pakistan remains strong and productive, especially in areas of security, development, and regional stability,” Lammy remarked.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to deepen strategic collaboration, particularly in areas of counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics, border management, and vocational training.
