Pakistan-UK sign MoU in security and intelligence sharing
Shares
Pakistan and the United Kingdom had an extensive exchange of views on entire gamut of security related issues.
After their meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan and his British counterpart Amber Rudd described their talks as constructive and meaningful.
The Interior Minister said the two countries discussed sharing of intelligence and exchange of information. He said that after detailed discussion the two sides have signed a memorandum of understanding for enhanced cooperation in the realm of security.
The Minister said that both countries will work together to resolve the common problems being faced by the two countries including security, counter-terrorism and immigration.
Ch. Nisar Ali Khan acknowledged that there are few irritants and road-blocks and they have agreed to address them within the limitations of their authority and respective systems.
He said Pakistan and the United Kingdom have always enjoyed closer cooperation in security.
The Minister hoped that the British Prime Minister would visit Pakistan at the soonest to carry forward the process of mutual collaboration in diverse fields.
He said it was also agreed to improve contacts between the two countries on ministerial level.
British Home Secretary Amber Rudd said the two sides had constructive discussions on wide range of shared interests and look forward to enhanced relationship in several areas.
She said the United Kingdom has unique ties with Pakistan as two percent of its population traces their roots back to Pakistan.
She said they discussed issues of security, immigration and justice.
The British Home Secretary appreciated that due to hard work by Government of Pakistan and its law enforcing agencies, there has been significant improve in security across Pakistan over the last two years. She, however, said the challenge is still considerable and the two countries should work together for increased security for their people. She said this important as a number of British national want to trade and invest in Pakistan.
She referred to the challenge of terrorism, extremism and organized crime and said Pakistan has suffered the most from the scourge of terrorism. She said special envoy of the British Prime Minister on Counter Terrorism will be visiting Pakistan shortly to expand cooperation structured around Pakistan's own National Action Plan.
Amber Rudd said Britain is providing assistance to make the new Islamabad International Airport safe and secure for travelers.
Replying to questions the British Home Secretary said it would be her endeavour that the country's justice system is applies to everyone equally with no exception. Britain is committed to work closely with Pakistan to facilitate application of justice in all cases. She said there is absolutely no tolerance in UK for illegal activities for people who think they can evade the law.
Earlier, Amber Rudd also called on Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan in Islamabad.
Bilateral relations and matters relating to security, counter-terrorism and immigration came under discussion during the meeting.
Interior Minister said Pakistan wants diplomatic and lawful solutions to the problems between the two countries.
