Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar on Thursday met British Home Secretary Sajid Javid in London.
The two discussed issues of mutual interest, particularly those related to the provision of mutual legal assistance, extradition requests, prisoner transfer agreement and steps to curb money laundering as well as recovery of assets acquired through illegal means. They also discussed matters pertaining to assistance and support on technical matters, analytical advice and capacity building.
Akbar also met Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor of the International Justice & Organised Crime Division Debbie Price and Head of UK Central Authority Philomena Creffield. During the meeting, the two sides agreed to work closely at the operational level and enhance collaboration in the areas of information sharing. Progress on specific cases for extradition requests made to the UK government was also discussed.
He also called on UK Prime Minister’s Anti-Corruption Champion and Member of Parliament John Penrose at Portcullis House to discuss ways and means to make joint efforts to curb corruption and plug existing loopholes at home and abroad.
Later on, Shahzad Akbar visited the Foreign and Commonwealth Office where he was received by UK Special Representative on Afghanistan and Pakistan Gareth Bayley. Both sides discussed bilateral issues and expressed their commitment to work together closely.
Bayley expressed British government’s firm commitment to support Pakistan in its resolve towards fighting corruption and carrying out the accountability process to ensure transparency.
Published in Daily Times, October 26th 2018.
