British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson speaks during a joint press conference with Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz at the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad. PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD: There appears to be a gradual realisation in the West of the gravity of ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India as a day after a senior EU official called on the arch rivals to show restraint, a British official also urged both the nuclear-armed states to step back from the brink and start dialogue instead.
British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who is the first high-ranking UK official to travel to Pakistan since Brexit (or Britain’s exit from the EU), held talks on Thursday with senior Pakistani leaders including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his senior aide Sartaj Aziz on bilateral ties and the current standoff between Islamabad and New Delhi.
At a joint news conference with Aziz, the British diplomat stressed the need for an immediate end to the violence on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), as well as in Indian Occupied Kashmir.
When asked to comment on the possible role his country could play in defusing the crisis given the fact that Britain was historically responsible for the Kashmir dispute, Johnson offered a diplomatic answer.
“The longstanding position of the UK is that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting solution to the situation in Kashmir taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
“I don’t think it is for the UK to prescribe a solution or act as a mediator. Britain would continue to encourage both sides to maintain a positive dialogue,” he said.
The British foreign secretary warned that simmering tensions between Pakistan and India were holding back the region from becoming what he called ‘incredible boom zone.’
“Look at the incredible human potential of Pakistan and its neighbours and then imagine what the future could be like if this was sorted out. What an incredible boom zone it could be!”
In his remarks, Sartaj Aziz said he briefed the British foreign secretary about the ongoing tensions and continued ceasefire violations by the Indian forces along the LoC.
According to the adviser, the British foreign secretary shared Pakistan’s perspective that both sides need to immediately start dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues including Kashmir.
“The two sides reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation in the areas of common interest and reiterated their commitment to further strengthening this relationship by increasing trade, promoting investment and creating greater opportunities for cultural cooperation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif warmly welcomed Johnson on his first visit to Pakistan and expressed confidence that under its new leadership, Britain will emerge stronger and continue playing an important role in world affairs.
Recalling his cordial meeting with the UK Prime Minister Theresa May on the margins of the UN General Assembly session in New York in September, the prime minister said he looks forward to welcoming PM May in Islamabad next year.
“Pakistan considers the UK a close friend and a trusted partner; our bilateral relations are founded on shared history, cultural linkages and strong people-to-people contacts,” the prime minister said.
Highlighting Pakistan’s contributions in the global fight against terrorism, Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan had been the worst victim of terrorism. “We have lost over 60,000 lives and suffered huge economic losses in our fight against terrorism. We are fighting this war as an imperative not as an option,” he said.
He said the ongoing military operation Zarb-e-Azb was in its final phase, adding that the National Action Plan (NAP) against terrorism was launched to deal with the threat of violent extremism and radicalisation.
“We are committed to take strongest possible action against all terrorists and extremists without any exception,” he said.
The premier informed the visiting British foreign secretary that Pakistan wants a serious, sustained and result-oriented dialogue with India on all issues of mutual concern. “The unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the main threat to security in the region,” he added.
Appreciating the leadership role of the prime minister, Johnson said Britain will continue to be the champion of Pakistan in its region, adding that Pakistan’s endeavours for regional peace, stability and prosperity are indeed exemplary.
“The CPEC [China-Pakistan Economic Corridor] is a landmark and fantastic dream being translated into reality,” he said. The secretary said Britain appreciated Nawaz Sharif’s efforts for achieving macroeconomic stability and will support Pakistan in GSP Plus scheme.
Boris Johnson congratulated the prime minister on the passage of honour killing bill and termed it as remarkable achievement of the present government.
He said Britain is ready to boost bilateral trade between the two countries. “The business environment in Pakistan is ideal in the backdrop of the stage set by the PM by turning around the economy,” he said.
The secretary assured the PM that he will be convincing the British investors for significantly expanding their investments and businesses in the diverse sectors of Pakistan’s economy.
The British foreign secretary said that his first visit to Pakistan is an eye-opener for him. “Pakistan is indeed a wonderful country having great and dynamic people, and offering fantastic opportunities to the international investors,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 25th, 2016.
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