Pakistan and the United Kingdom have expressed concern over the continued threat posed by terrorist organisations operating in and from Afghanistan, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), during their annual bilateral counterterrorism dialogue in Islamabad.
The two sides reviewed ongoing cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels and reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms.
During the discussions, both delegations assessed the evolving regional and global security situation and exchanged views on threats posed by terrorist groups, including transnational networks. They stressed the need for a stable and secure Afghanistan, describing it as essential to achieving lasting peace and prosperity across the region.
The UK delegation also conveyed condolences over the loss of innocent lives in terrorist attacks in Pakistan and reaffirmed its support for the country’s efforts to combat terrorism.
The dialogue also covered the exchange of best practices and opportunities to expand cooperation in addressing emerging security challenges. These included the spread of misinformation and disinformation, the misuse of social media platforms and the exploitation of new technologies by terrorist groups.
Both countries acknowledged Pakistan’s role in promoting regional stability and agreed to strengthen institutional cooperation and maintain regular engagement to advance their shared counterterrorism objectives.
The delegations also agreed to hold the next round of the annual dialogue in London in 2027, on mutually agreed dates.
Earlier this year, Pakistan and the UK agreed to expand cooperation in counterterrorism, efforts to curb illegal migration and human smuggling, institutional coordination and police training.
Pakistan has also reached an understanding with the European Union to strengthen cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained strained in recent years, largely due to Islamabad’s concerns over cross-border militant activity.
Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban administration to take verifiable action against militant groups operating from Afghan territory, particularly the banned TTP, which Islamabad accuses of carrying out attacks inside Pakistan.
Pakistani officials maintain that militant sanctuaries in Afghanistan continue to pose a serious security challenge and have called for stronger action to prevent Afghan territory from being used for attacks against Pakistan.
