Islamabad (GNP): Pakistan and UK have pledged to work more closely against terrorism after holding their annual counterterrorism dialogue in Islamabad on Wednesday. Both sides said the talks covered a fast-changing security picture, from established militant networks to new threats spreading online.
Dr. Fareha Bugti, Pakistan’s Director General for Counterterrorism, led the host delegation. Thomas Barry, Director for National and Economic Security at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), headed the British side.
The talks opened on a note of solidarity. The UK delegation expressed condolences for innocent lives lost in terrorist attacks in Pakistan and said Britain stands with the country in its fight against terrorism. The message carries weight because Pakistan has faced a surge in militant violence in its western provinces along the Afghan border.
From there, the two sides held a detailed discussion on the global and regional security environment. They compared views on the danger from terrorist groups, including transnational networks, and expressed shared concern about groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that operate in and from Afghanistan.
That concern led to a common conclusion. Both sides said a stable and secure Afghanistan is essential for lasting peace and prosperity across the region.
The delegations then turned to their own partnership. They reviewed existing bilateral and multilateral cooperation on counterterrorism and renewed their commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms.
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They also looked ahead to newer methods used by extremists. The dialogue focused on sharing best practices and finding new ways to work together against misinformation and disinformation campaigns, the misuse of social media platforms and the exploitation of emerging technologies.
During the talks, both sides acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions to regional stability and security. That recognition set the stage for the agreement at the end of the meeting, in which the two countries committed to closer ties between their institutions and regular contact to advance shared goals.
The dialogue follows the previous round, held in London in February 2025. The next round is set for London in 2027 on dates that both countries will agree. The Foreign Office said, “Pakistan and the UK agreed to strengthen institutional linkages and maintain regular engagement.”
Managing Editor at Global News Pakistan (GNP), with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Riphah International University, graduated with a Gold Medal. Reach out at sabahtareengnp@gmail.com
