Britain praises Pakistan’s gains against terror

By Our Correspondent

ISLAMABAD: British National Security Adviser (NSA) Sir Mark Lyall Grant on Sunday acknowledged the ‘significant achievements’ made by Pakistan and the sacrifices rendered by its people in their fight against the scourge of terrorism.

Sir Grant’s show of support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts came during a meeting with Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatami, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office.

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The British NSA reaffirmed his country’s continued support to Pakistan. The statement, according to a Foreign Office official, is significant in the backdrop of desperate efforts by India to isolate Pakistan globally.

During the meeting, Fatami underscored the importance Pakistan attached to its relations with the United Kingdom and noted that partnership between the two countries was moving in the right direction.

He recalled the recent warm and cordial meeting between PM Nawaz Sharif and his British counterpart Theresa May in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.  Fatemi highlighted the improved security situation and its positive impact on economic revival in Pakistan.

During the meeting, regional security issues and matters of mutual interest were also discussed. Fatemi briefed the visiting dignitary about the current situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir.

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He also stressed that as a country with historic links to this region, and as a member of the UN Security Council’s P-5, it was incumbent on Britain to urge New Delhi to end rampant human rights violations in the occupied territory and to enter into a sustained dialogue with Pakistan.

Sir Grant acknowledged the important role being played by Pakistan in promoting peace and stability in the region.

The minister of state also briefed the NSA about Pakistan’s serious efforts to promote lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 24^th, 2016.