ISLAMABAD(National Times)- Pakistan and the United Kingdom on Wednesday expressed concerns over the ongoing threat from terrorist groups operating in and from Afghanistan, the Foreign Office said.
According to a statement by the FO, the two countries held their annual bilateral dialogue on counter-terrorism in Islamabad, in which they reviewed ongoing bilateral and multilateral counter-terrorism cooperation and reaffirmed their shared commitment to combatting terrorism in all its forms.
“The two sides discussed in detail the evolving regional and global security environment and exchanged views on the threats posed by terrorist entities, including transnational terrorist networks,” it said.
“Both sides expressed concerns over the continuing threat posed by terrorist groups, including the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), operating in and from Afghanistan,” the FO said, adding that they underscored the “urgent need for a stable, secure Afghanistan as a cornerstone for lasting peace and prosperity across the region”.
The UK delegation also expressed condolences over the loss of innocent lives in terrorist attacks in Pakistan and reiterated that it stood with the country in the fight against terrorism, the statement added.
Another focus of the dialogue was the exchange of best practices and the exploration of new avenues for partnership to counter new trends in terrorism, including campaigns of misinformation and disinformation, exploitation of social media platforms and emerging technologies, it said.
“Both sides acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions to regional stability and security,” the FO said, adding that they agreed to strengthen institutional linkages and maintain regular engagement to advance shared counter-terrorism objectives.
According to the statement, the delegations agreed to hold the next round of the dialogue in London in 2027, on mutually agreed dates.
Earlier this year, the two countries agreed to enhance cooperation in counterterrorism, combating illegal migration and human smuggling, institutional collaboration and police training.
Pakistan and the European Union (EU) have also agreed to strengthen cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations.
Ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been strained in the past few years as Islamabad continues to voice its concern over cross-border terrorism.
Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Taliban administration in Kabul to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil, particularly those linked to the banned TTP that are used for attacks in Pakistan. Officials say those appeals have gone unheeded.
