Nisar discusses security, counterterrorism with British counterpart

LONDON: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar met with his British counterpart Amber Rudd on Monday in London, an interior ministry spokesman said.

The Interior Minister is on a three-day visit to London where he is holding meetings with senior British government dignitaries.

The two leaders discussed a host of issues ranging from cooperation in counter-terrorism, illegal immigration, organised crimes, narcotics control, money laundering, and other issues of mutual interest.

During the meeting, the interior minister apprised his counterpart of new cybercrime legislation which would help the government for controlling cybercrimes. He said that new law would also help the state agencies in limiting hate material on the internet and address the issue of cyberterrorism.

He observed that British Government’s technical support would be quite useful for Pakistani institutions dealing with cyber terrorism.

The British home secretary while condemning recent terrorist incidents in Pakistan extended her condolences over the loss of precious lives as a result of terrorist activities.

During the course of discussion, Secretary Amber Rudd underscored the importance of regular exchange of views on security cooperation and other areas. She said that she looks forward to visiting Pakistan to further enhance multifaceted cooperation existing between the two countries.

Recalling his excellent working relationship with her predecessor Ms.Theresa May, the then British home secretary and now the prime minister, Chaudhry Nisar said the momentum created by Ms. May should be carried forward to forge stronger ties and mutually beneficial partnership in all fields.

He said that such high level visits serve as value addition to the efforts aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing mutual cooperation.

The interior minister pointed that the resilience of Pakistani people and continued efforts of its law enforcement agencies have significantly helped the state to establish its writ and improve law and order and peace in the country.

Comparing the law and order situation of 2013 with today’s Pakistan, Nisar said that present government remains fully committed to denying space to any desperate elements who target innocent citizens and disturb peace in the country.

The two sides also reviewed progress on various agreed areas of cooperation including security, counter-terrorism, capacity building of law enforcement agencies of Pakistan besides strengthening of Joint Intelligence Directorate by sharing of expertise and knowledge.

Over the issue of organised crimes, he said that Pakistan looks towards UK for greater cooperation in dealing with organised crimes and fighting the menace of human and drug trafficking.

The minister also recounted successes Pakistan has achieved in dealing with the human traffickers.

He informed his British counterpart that thousands of human traffickers, fake travel agents and phony rackets were busted during countrywide campaign against this crime.

Ms. Rudd welcomed continued cooperation between the two countries in the areas of counter-terrorism, organised crime, illegal immigration, human trafficking and anti-narcotics.