Pakistan and the United Kingdom have agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to curb illegal activities.

The commitment was expressed during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and British Minister of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Stephen Doughty in Islamabad today.

The meeting focused on Pakistan-UK relations and enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly illegal immigration, counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism.

During the meeting, both sides emphasised the need for joint and stringent measures to curb the trend of travelling to the United Kingdom on fake student visas.

The meeting also covered the situation in the Middle East and Pakistan's positive role in the region.

Both sides stressed the need to continue diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region.

The progress made during the 90-day period of the Joint Working Group and the future course of action were also reviewed. The border situation with Afghanistan was also discussed.

Speaking on the occasion, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said strict scrutiny is essential in cases involving Pakistani students travelling abroad on fake student visas.

He said the Anti-Narcotics Force had seized 55 metric tonnes of drugs being smuggled to the United Kingdom.

British Minister of State Stephen Doughty appreciated Pakistan's vigorous action against elements involved in online fraud in the country.