Fight against terrorism: British official lauds capital police
Commending the role played by the capital city police in the war against terrorism, British Home Secretary Theresa May on Friday said that United Kingdom will continue to support Pakistan’s security forces.
May, accompanied by her Pakistani counterpart Interior Minister Rehman Malik, visited Police Lines Headquarters and laid a floral wreath at the National Police Martyrs’ Monument — the memorial that was constructed to pay tribute to the police officials who lost their lives in terrorist attacks.
“We have consistently pledged our public support, regardless of the political backdrop. There is an unbreakable partnership and we now have to build on it,” said May. “We want to see Pakistan become more prosperous. We are serious about building a long- term partnership with Pakistan for generations ahead,” she added.
The two ministers met with the families of the victims of terrorism and acknowledged the sacrifices rendered by their loved ones.
Upon their arrival at Police Lines Headquarters, they were given a guard of honour.
Advocating Pakistan’s case, Malik said that the country has suffered a lot in war against terrorism. Around 36,000 Pakistanis including 3,500 policemen have laid down their lives in the war against terror, he said.
Malik added that this was a war being fought to make the world peaceful and secure. He also thanked the international community for extending technical and legal support to Pakistan.
“Pakistan and United Kingdom share a common interest in fighting extremism that threatens the whole world,” Malik said.
Replying to a question, May said UK would also support Pakistan in detecting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and Pakistan would be provided equipment and technical assistance.
The Inspector General of Police Islamabad Bani Amin presented flower bouquet to the visiting dignitary, while Malik presented her a shield on behalf of Islamabad Police.
Women best resources for a vibrant Pakistan
Meanwhile, May said that Pakistan has made great progress in empowering women and it is great to see that Pakistan and the UK have very similar percentages of female representatives in the parliament. She was talking to a meeting with representatives of Women’s Parliamentary Caucus in Mirpur on Friday, said a press released issued by the British High Commission.
May discussed the role of women in the democratic process during the meeting; she said that women parliamentarians have a better understanding of women’s needs and hence they can represent the views of women in a much better way.
She said that a commitment to improve gender equality and women was made at the meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government in Perth last month.
However, she was of the view that it is not only the lack of opportunities which hold women back.
“Violence against women can halt women’s progress — individually and collectively. So even though domestic violence is a hideous crime, it contributes towards continued gender inequality,” she remarked.
She congratulated the government for passing the anti-women practices bill. “However, it is important that the bill’s provisions are fully implemented,” she added.
She further said that successful countries and economies are built by using the skills and talents of all their citizens. “So in building a vibrant and competitive Pakistan for the future generation, the best resource available is Pakistan’s women.”
with additional reporting by A H Nizami
Published in The Express Tribune, November 26th, 2011.
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