Pakistan and UK strengthen cooperation to combat illegal immigration and online child harassment

Pakistan and the United Kingdom have agreed to enhance collaboration in addressing illegal immigration, online child harassment, and other serious crimes. This commitment was reaffirmed during a high-level meeting in Islamabad chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Officials reviewed progress under the UK-Pakistan Serious Crime and Law Enforcement Programme (UPSCALE), focusing on illegal immigration, mutual legal assistance, extradition, criminal record sharing, illegal funding, and anti-narcotics efforts. Naqvi emphasized the need for stronger coordination and joint actions to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

The minister announced that deported individuals involved in illegal migration will be included in the passport control list for five years, with proposals to add sex offenders under consideration. Naqvi welcomed continued UK support and highlighted improvements in mutual legal assistance rules that have enhanced cooperation.

The meeting also reviewed the operational status of UPSCALE’s dedicated delivery unit and the establishment of Pakistan’s first sex offender registry.