Pakistan and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, agreeing to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, enhance institutional linkages and develop coordinated responses to emerging and evolving security threats.
The understanding was reached during the annual Pakistan-United Kingdom Bilateral Counterterrorism Dialogue, held in Islamabad on November 4, 2026, where both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the regional and international security environment, the evolving nature of terrorist threats and avenues for enhanced bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
During the discussions, both countries expressed serious concern over the continued presence and activities of terrorist groups operating from and within Afghanistan, particularly Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and their implications for regional peace and security.
The two sides emphasised that the persistent threat posed by terrorist networks operating across borders requires sustained international attention, effective cooperation and coordinated action. They underscored that a stable, peaceful and secure Afghanistan is indispensable for achieving lasting peace, stability and prosperity across the region.
The Pakistani delegation was led by Director General Counter Terrorism Dr. Fariha Bugti, while the British delegation was headed by Thomas Berry, Director for National and Economic Security at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The British delegation expressed its condolences over the precious lives lost in terrorist attacks in Pakistan and reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s solidarity with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. Both sides reiterated their resolve to work together against terrorist organisations and networks that threaten regional and international security.
The dialogue provided an opportunity to review existing counterterrorism cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels, exchange perspectives on evolving security challenges and explore practical avenues for strengthening collaborative efforts. Both countries agreed to enhance the exchange of experiences, expertise and best practices to improve institutional capacities and the effectiveness of counterterrorism responses.
Particular attention was given to emerging threats arising from the misuse of social media platforms, online extremist propaganda, disinformation and misinformation campaigns, and the exploitation of modern technologies by terrorist organisations to facilitate recruitment, radicalisation and the spread of extremist narratives.
Recognising the increasingly complex and interconnected nature of these threats, both sides explored new opportunities for cooperation to counter online extremism, address technology-enabled terrorism and strengthen institutional preparedness against evolving security challenges.
The British and Pakistani delegations also acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions to regional security and stability and emphasised the importance of sustained engagement, stronger institutional linkages and regular consultations to advance their shared counterterrorism objectives.
Reaffirming their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, both sides agreed to maintain close coordination and further strengthen cooperation through continued dialogue, institutional engagement and the exchange of relevant expertise.
The next round of the Pakistan-United Kingdom Bilateral Counterterrorism Dialogue will be held in London in 2027 on mutually agreed dates.
Pakistan and the United Kingdom reiterated that sustained international cooperation, collective responsibility and coordinated action remain essential to effectively counter terrorism, address emerging security threats and promote lasting peace and stability in the region.
