UK praises Islamabad’s good neighbour policy

Britain’s national security adviser calls on PM Nawaz; assures Punjab govt of support in eradicating terrorism

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: Acknowledging its sacrifices, the United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Sir Mark Lyall Grant has praised Pakistan for achieving “substantial successes in the war against terrorism”.

He shared these views during a meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday. A statement from the PM House said the NSA acknowledged the huge sacrifices made by the armed forces, police and other law enforcing agencies (LEAs) in the war against terrorists.



“Commitment of the political government and armed forces, supported by the people of Pakistan, has resulted in phenomenal victory against terrorism,” Grant was quoted as saying in the statement.

The NSA also congratulated PM Nawaz on successfully completing the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s support programme and achieving macroeconomic stability.

“It is exceedingly positive to learn from DFID that Pakistan is showing remarkable improvement in the health and education sectors,” he added.

Speaking to the NSA, the prime minister highlighted the Kashmir issue, which, he said, is the core issue between India and Pakistan, whose resolution would ensure durable peace in the region.

“Kashmir issue must be resolved according to the UN resolutions as per the commitments made by the Indian government.



Britain’s NSA appreciated the PM’s policy of reaching out to the neighbouring countries for establishing cordial relationships with them.

Earlier, Sir Mark Lyall Grant also met Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Lahore “to discuss steps taken for improvement of security and law and order in Punjab,” said an official statement.

Grant appreciated the steps taken by the Punjab government for elimination of terrorism and extremism under the National Action Plan (NAP) against terrorism.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 25^th, 2016.