By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD -  Pakistan and the United Kingdom have agreed to deepen cooperation in security, law enforcement, migration, trade and investment, following talks between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and British Security Minister Dan Jarvis in Islamabad on Thursday.

Dar received Jarvis, the UK minister of state for security, on November 5, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry. The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments.

Dar stressed the importance of continued cooperation on bilateral issues and regional matters of mutual interest. Both sides also discussed continued engagement under the R4+E4 framework, the ministry said.

The meeting followed the annual Pakistan-UK Counterterrorism Dialogue held in Islamabad on Wednesday, where officials discussed regional security threats and ways to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation.

- Counterterrorism talks focus on Afghanistan-based groups

At the November 4 dialogue, Pakistan’s delegation was led by Director General for Counterterrorism Dr. Fareha Bugti, while the UK delegation was headed by Thomas Barry, director for national and economic security at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The two sides expressed concern over the threat posed by terrorist groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), operating in and from Afghanistan, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office.

They stressed the importance of a stable and secure Afghanistan for regional peace and prosperity. The UK delegation also expressed condolences for victims of terrorist attacks in Pakistan and reaffirmed Britain’s support for Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism.

The talks reviewed existing bilateral and multilateral counterterrorism cooperation and explored ways to address emerging threats, including misinformation and disinformation, the misuse of social media and the exploitation of new technologies.

Pakistan and the UK agreed to strengthen institutional links and maintain regular engagement. The next round of the counterterrorism dialogue is scheduled to take place in London in 2027, on dates to be agreed.

- Broader bilateral ties

The latest meetings reflect efforts by Islamabad and London to expand cooperation beyond security to economic and people-to-people ties.

The countries have previously discussed trade, investment, education, migration and police cooperation. The UK is also home to a large Pakistani diaspora, which both governments regard as an important link between the two countries.