Law Enforcement
LONDON: On Friday, the governments of Pakistan and the United Kingdom signed a letter of intent (LOI) to enhance collaboration on law enforcement cooperation and criminal justice issues.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, and UK Home Secretary, James Cleverly. Dr. Mohammad Faisal, Pakistan’s High Commissioner, signed the LOI on behalf of the Pakistani government.
The LOI specifically focuses on addressing illegal migration and organized immigration crime. It aims to explore future opportunities that will benefit both countries.
Additionally, it will facilitate liaison between UK and Pakistan law enforcement agencies to support joint efforts in tackling transnational crime. This includes narcotics control, investigations of serious criminality, and organized immigration crime.
The implementation of this cooperation will be overseen by a joint steering committee, chaired by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) of Pakistan.
The committee will include representatives from the Interior Ministry, National Police Bureau, British High Commission (supported by the Home Office), the program team, and other relevant agencies.
This agreement is expected to enhance the ability to share international criminal conviction data and analytics, which will aid in preparing preemptive plans for crime prevention.
It will improve joint efforts to tackle illicit finance threats, detect criminality at air and sea borders, and facilitate extradition requests between the two countries. Additionally, the letter will promote awareness and understanding of the mutual legal assistance process in both nations.
A key component of the LOI is capacity building, which encompasses the exchange of information and knowledge, exchange of experts, field trips, staff training, joint projects, conferences, workshops, and the provision of specific equipment. Progress on achievements under the LOI will be reviewed annually.
During a preceding one-on-one meeting, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and UK Home Secretary James Cleverly discussed measures to further strengthen Pakistan-UK bilateral relations and collaborate on resolving issues jointly.
Naqvi emphasized that the UK is a long-term partner of Pakistan, noting that government-to-government and people-to-people contacts between the two countries are at unprecedented levels.
Home Secretary Cleverly expressed the UK’s high regard for its relationship with Pakistan, appreciating Pakistan’s support and cooperation in evacuating British citizens from Afghanistan.
He also highlighted the significant contributions of the Pakistani diaspora in the UK across cultural, social, and economic domains. Cleverly praised Naqvi’s dedication to public service during his tenure as caretaker chief minister of Punjab.
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