Pakistan and the European Union (EU) have agreed to strengthen cooperation on counterterrorism efforts, including measures to address violent extremism, financing risks and the misuse of cyberspace, during the 10th round of their bilateral counterterrorism dialogue held in Islamabad. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO), discussions between both sides focused on evolving security challenges, emerging threats and opportunities to enhance coordination at national and international levels. The Pakistani delegation was led by Director General Counterterrorism Dr Fareha Bugti, while the EU delegation was headed by Anna Strzaska, Special Envoy for Counterterrorism at the European External Action Service. The dialogue provided a platform for both sides to review developments affecting the global security environment and discuss ways to improve cooperation against activities carried out through physical and digital channels.
During the meeting, Pakistan and the EU reviewed recent regional and global developments linked to security concerns and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing threats through coordinated efforts. Both sides condemned violence in all forms and discussed the importance of joint action to improve international security cooperation. The EU delegation expressed solidarity with victims of recent attacks in Pakistan and acknowledged Islamabad’s efforts in addressing security challenges. The discussions also covered concerns related to developments in Afghanistan and their possible impact on regional stability. Pakistan and the EU recognized the importance of continued engagement and cooperation in addressing shared security challenges while supporting international efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability.
The dialogue also focused on the growing role of cyberspace, information systems and digital platforms in creating new security challenges. Both delegations discussed the misuse of online platforms and digital resources by extremist networks to spread harmful content, promote radicalisation and support their activities. Pakistan and the EU exchanged experiences and best practices related to preventing violent extremism, addressing financing networks and improving awareness around online risks. The two sides emphasized the need for stronger cooperation in understanding emerging digital threats and developing effective responses through collaboration between relevant institutions. The discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining secure digital environments while ensuring that technology is not misused to support harmful activities.
Pakistan and the EU further agreed to enhance cooperation through multilateral forums, including the United Nations, to support a coordinated international approach toward counterterrorism efforts. Both sides emphasized the value of effective multilateral cooperation in building broader consensus and developing long term solutions to security challenges. They also identified priority areas for future collaboration and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regular institutional engagement through continued dialogue. The next round of the Pakistan EU bilateral counterterrorism dialogue is expected to take place in Brussels next year on a mutually agreed date. The ongoing discussions reflect both sides’ efforts to strengthen partnerships, exchange knowledge and address evolving security concerns, including challenges emerging from the increasing use of digital platforms.
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