The UK has announced an extra £8 million to back joint work with Pakistan aimed at fighting illegal migration and related crime. UK Minister Hamish Falconer, currently visiting Islamabad, held talks with Pakistani officials and expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s role in facilitating a US-Iran peace agreement. The two nations have deepened cooperation in recent years to reduce irregular migration. A 2022 agreement allows the return of foreign national offenders and immigration violators from the UK to Pakistan. The new funding will improve border controls and visa processing, supply expert assistance to Pakistani agencies tackling smuggling and trafficking networks, and aid the removal of Pakistani citizens without legal UK residence. Resources will also support community initiatives in areas prone to irregular migration risks. Falconer is scheduled to witness joint enforcement exercises and meet Pakistan’s Interior Minister plus Higher Education Commission representatives to address visa misuse. Pakistan continues to confront difficulties with human smuggling, as many citizens attempt hazardous routes to Europe seeking improved economic prospects. Reports indicate thousands of Pakistani nationals have used student visas before claiming asylum, prompting UK concerns over potential exploitation and misinformation.
