Pakistan and UK to co-operate to counter terrorism

Pakistan and the United Kingdom on Tuesday agreed to co-operate on issues of pressing mutual importance, including counter-terrorism work, and combating illegal migration and organised crime, interior ministers of the two countries said.

The British Home Secretary Theresa May discussed bilateral and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan co-operation in tackling shared threats restated their commitment to co-operate on issues of pressing mutual importance, including counter-terrorism work, and combating illegal migration and organised crime, the British High Commission said.

"In the fight against terrorism, Pakistan is on the front-line and has lost more of its citizens to terrorist violence than any other country. The UK stands with the Pakistani people," the British Home Secretary said.

"We are also united in our determination to confront serious and organised crime, and the gangs who get rich trading in illegal drugs, exploiting people through immigration crime and trafficking the vulnerable into prostitution.

They cost our economies billions and deprive our citizens of their safety, security and prosperity," she said in a statement during meetings with Pakistani officials.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan speaking at a joint press conference with his British counterpart said Pakistan wants to enhance cooperation with the United Kingdom in various fields including counter terrorism and organised crimes.

British Home Secretary condemned Peshawar Church attack and said her country acknowledges the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the war on terror.

The British Minister said her country will continue to extend cooperation to Pakistan for its socio-economic development.

Both the sides signed a Memorandum of Under-standing to jointly fight crimes.

"In the fight against terrorism, Pakistan is on the front-line and has lost more of its citizens to terrorist violence than any other country. The UK stands with the Pakistani people," the Home Secretary said.

"We are also united in our determination to confront serious and organised crime, and the gangs who get rich trading in illegal drugs, exploiting people through immigration crime and trafficking the vulnerable into prostitution," she said.

The British Home Secretary stressed that Pakistan's security directly affects the security of the UK and said it is in the interests of both countries to sustain a broad-based strategic relationship founded on respect, trust and mutual benefit.

Theresa May welcomed the commitment that Interior Minister Nisar and the Government of Pakistan have shown to adopting a zero tolerance approach to illegal migration.

Theresa May also visited the Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) Training Academy and discussed counter narcotics matters with the Director General, Major General Iqbal Malik.

Later in the day, the British Home Secretary also called on President Mamnoon where matters of Pakistan-UK joint cooperation were discussed.