ISLAMABAD- High Commissioner of UK to Pakistan Philip Barton and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, discussed regional security situation with particular reference to FATA and Afghanistan today.
During meeting, the Minister said that peace in Afghanistan is a key to peace in entire region and Pakistan will continue to work closely with new Afghan government for establishing lasting peace in the region. He hoped that durable peace will prevail in the region especially in FATA as a result of government’s policy of dialogue. He added that government was trying to expedite that process of dialogue with positive outcome without any inordinate delay.
Expressing his views on bilateral relations between Pakistan and UK, the Minister said that both countries enjoyed decades old political and economic relations which had now flowered into a “Special Relationship”. This had been manifested through exchange of high profile visits between the two countries. He also praised the institutional support of UK in capacity building of civil armed forces of Pakistan. The High Commissioner appreciated the commitment of present government of Pakistan in putting the country on the path of peace and development. He also highlighted the areas where UK could play a more vibrant role like policing, counter terrorism, anti human and drug trafficking. Appreciating the recently announced National Internal Security Policy the Higher Commissioner particularly mentioned the cooperation build up in this sector in recent past.