UK assures indiscriminate action on Altaf

Islamabad, London discuss counterterrorism, immigration

A top British government official on Tuesday said that the issue of London-based MQM supremo Altaf Hussain was being “seriously” reviewed and “any decision in this regard will be made as per the law”.

“British laws have no exemption. I have assured the [interior] minister, action will be taken upon their requests of justice without any discrimination,” Home Secretary Amber Rudd said.

She was addressing a news conference with Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan after holding official-level talks in the federal capital in which matters relating to security, counterterrorism and immigration came under discussion.

MQM-London leader Hussain, who has been living in self-exile in London, has been accused of inciting violence in Pakistan through his telephonic addresses. His speeches have become a sticking point in relations between the two countries.

Interior Minister Nisar indirectly referred to the issue during the news conference as “irritants” in an otherwise smooth and excellent relations enjoyed by the two countries.

He said nothing serious had affected bilateral ties, however there were certain “irritants” and “roadblocks” and the two sides had resolved to address the issues.



“I am extremely satisfied on the discussion with my British counterpart. There is understanding of each other’s viewpoint,” the minister said.

“Pakistan wants legal and diplomatic solution to all hurdles in the way of better relations between the two countries,” he said.

Nisar said Pakistan and the UK enjoyed stable relations and the visit of the home secretary would further strengthen ties in diverse fields.

He hoped that bilateral relations between the two countries would be carried forward by two respective ministries and governments.

The interior minister appreciated the role and proactive leadership of former home secretary and current Prime Minister of the UK Theresa May, who made many visits to Pakistan and she had many well-wishers.

"We are looking to the prime minister’s visit to Pakistan in the near future.”

Nisar said the visit of British home secretary would give a new impetus to relations between the UK and Pakistan, adding, “The UK is amongst a few countries where Pakistan’s viewpoint is largely understood and acknowledged”.

The minister said Pakistan would welcome every move to further promote bilateral ties between the two nations and strengthen implementation of law on equal grounds.

“Pakistan and Britain have a long history of bilateral relations,” he said, adding, “Both sides have signed two agreements during the talks.”

In her brief statement, Home Secretary Amber Rudd said she had very constructive discussions with Chaudhry Nisar, adding, “We want to continue our partnership and increase cooperation in diverse fields with Pakistan.”



Rudd said: “The UK has unique ties with Pakistan as two per cent of its population traces their roots back to Pakistan,” adding there were significant opportunities for mutual economic growth as Pakistan was growing.

Expressing her commitment to closely working with Pakistan, Rudd said: “I look forward to increasing mutual understanding.”

She noted: “Increased security the people of Pakistan and the UK have been witnessing is because of the efforts made by the government of Pakistan,” adding, “The interior minister has played an important role in improving the security situation in Pakistan.”

Speaking in regard to aviation and border security, Rudd said Islamabad’s new airport would play important role in the safe and secure movement of people between Pakistan and the UK.

“I am pleased we are supporting the airport’s development with training and expertise,” she added. “I am also pleased we are working together to tackle organised immigration crime.”

“We want to ensure our borders remain secure for the many legitimate travellers that move between the two countries each year,” she added.

She extended congratulations on Pakistan Day and 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

When asked about further promotion of bilateral ties, both Chaudhry Nisar and Amber Rudd said: “Efforts are underway in this regard.”

Chaudhry Nisar said more bilateral visits would be arranged specially for further promoting trade relations between the two countries.

Earlier, Nisar held a meeting with the visiting United Kingdom Home Secretary Amber Rudd and discussed matters of mutual interests.

The meeting was also attended by Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, PM’s Adviser on Aviation Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan and Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb.

With additional input from APP