Pakistan to welcome UK support in tackling cybercrimes: Minister

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said Pakistan will welcome UK's support to tackle the challenge of cybercrimes and Pakistani officers will be trained by the British experts in this regard, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on SAtuday.

The minister made the remarks during his meetings with Director General of the National Crime Agency James Babbage and Director General National Security of Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office Jonathan Allen in London.

On the occasion, Mohsin Naqvi was briefed about the functioning of British institutions and close cooperation was agreed upon. It was decided that Pakistani officers will be trained by the National Crime Agency regarding cybercrimes and counter-narcotics.

The minister emphasized the need for greater collaboration between the two countries in the fight against drugs.

Mohsin Naqvi pointed out that Pakistani nation and forces have made unprecedented sacrifices in the war against terrorism. He said there is a need to adopt a common strategy to deal with the menace.

He also visited Cabinet Office National Situation Centre in London. He expressed deep interest in the working of the centre, noting that the importance of such a centre in a crisis-like situation cannot be denied.

Mohsin Naqvi said the establishment of a National Situation Centre will be reviewed in Pakistan as well. He said they will also benefit from the experience and expertise of the United Kingdom in this regard.  He said this partnership will not only secure our present but also the future.

In the meetings, counter terrorism, prevention of organized crime and cyber security were also discussed.

It also was discussed that cooperation will be increased to prevent illegal immigration, anti-drugs and cybercrime.

Mohsin Naqvi said both the countries need to work under more coordination in the fight against drugs. Pakistani nation and forces have made a history of sacrifices in the war against terrorism, Mohsin Naqvi said.

He said there is a need to adopt a common strategy to deal with the challenge of terrorism and we will welcome UK support in counter-terrorism technology and intelligence sharing.

Muhammad Faisal, Pakistan's ambassador to the United Kingdom, Jane Marriott, the British High Commissioner in Pakistan and senior officials of British institutions were also present on the occasion.

Reporter: Awais Kiyani