British High Commissioner discusses cooperation in curbing crimes with FM

ISLAMABAD: British High Commissioner (HC) in Pakistan Thomas Drew called on Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday (today) to discuss matters relating to cooperation in curbing organized crimes and the assets recovery.

In the meeting in Islamabad, matters pertaining to boosting bilateral trade and economic ties also came under discussion.

The two sides also highlighted the need to enhance people to people contacts during the meeting.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar met British Home Secretary Sajid Javid on October 25 to discuss a range of topics relating to mutual legal cooperation.

Both sides agreed on the issues that require legal cooperation between two countries, such as extradition of suspects, recovery of illegal assets, curbing money laundering and other technical aspects.

The two officials weighed in for the provision of legal assistance for the matters at hand.

On September 12, the British envoy called on Federal Minister for Law and Justice Farogh Naseem to discuss bilateral issues between the two countries.

Naseem said that Pakistan’s relations with Britain were deep rooted and the incumbent government was enthusiastic to further develop that partnership to strengthen work in the areas of rule of law and counter terrorism.

He said Pakistan and Britain shared a long history of cooperation, including on human rights, rule of law and legislative improvements. He assured his cooperation and impressed upon the British High Commissioner to work together for a safer UK and Pakistan.

The British envoy said that Britain regards Pakistan as an important ally and in the past Prime Minister Theresa May had visited the country thrice in different capacities. He appreciated the efforts of Dr Farogh Naseem for promoting the rule of law and congratulated him on assuming his charge as Federal Law Minister.