Pakistan will not allow its territory to be used against Afghanistan, Nawaz assures Cameron

British aid to Pakistan should be cut unless there is proof the funds help stop extremism: UK lawmakers

LONDON: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated that Pakistan is fully committed to eliminate menace of terrorism from its soil and will never allow use of its territory against any country, including Afghanistan.

Nawaz, who is on a three-day official visit to the United Kingdom on the invitation of Prime Minister David Cameron, had a meeting with his British counterpart here at 10 Downing Street and discussed matters of bilateral interest, the regional situation as well as other issues of international importance.

Recalling the visit of British Prime Minister to Pakistan last year, the premier he is here to reciprocate the sentiments expressed by David Cameron for Pakistan during his visit.

Nawaz said Pakistan has suffered a lot due to the menace of terrorism and extremism, and is determined to tackle it, which is also a part of its national policy formulated recently.

He also appreciated the continued support and assistance by the DFID UK to the country and said the people of Pakistan are grateful to such support for development.

Cameron, who had warmly welcomed Nawaz, reiterated UK's all-out support to Pakistan in its pursuit to strengthen economy and achieving socio-economic development.

He also backed the Pakistani government's efforts in combating terrorism and extremism.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the current level of bilateral ties in various areas, including trade and economy, and renewed their commitment to further strengthen these relations.

UK lawmakers raise questions on aid to Pakistan

Earlier, a report by lawmakers said British aid to Pakistan should be cut unless there is proof that the funds help stop extremism.

Published just hours before Sharif was to meet British counterpart David Cameron, the international development committee report singled out Pakistan for criticism.

Pakistan is the largest recipient of bilateral British aid, with Islamabad set to receive £446 million ($750 million, 541 million euros) of assistance this year.

"It is unlikely that expenditure would be so high if the country were not having to confront extremism," the report said.

"If this is the case, the budget can only be justified if there is clear evidence that DFID (Department for International Development) support is effective in reducing the extremist threat.

"If not, we recommend that DFID consider reducing spending in Pakistan and increasing it in low-income countries."

The British lawmakers also said that aid should not be increased until Pakistani political leaders pay their fair share of tax, and increase tax collection generally.

Islamabad said Sharif would discuss "matters of mutual interest" with Cameron and other ministers during his three-day visit, as well as addressing an investment conference.

But Sharif's talks with Cameron are set to focus on the threat of extremism in Pakistan, where authorities are in talks with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to try to end a seven-year insurgency.

Nato countries including Britain also want Pakistan to help tackle the Taliban in neighbouring Afghanistan as foreign troops prepare to leave by the end of this year.

PM's arrival in UK

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has reached 10 Downing Street in London to meet British Prime Minister David Cameron at his residence, Express News reported on Wednesday evening.

This is the Pakistani prime minister’s first official visit to the UK.

This visit will entail a one-on-one meeting and a meeting with the delegation, during which the procurement of British army weaponry and equipment in Afghanistan will be discussed following the exit of the British troops from the country. The prime minister will also be meeting with the business community in the UK.

There will be a 30-minute meeting between the British national security advisor and Pakistan’s National Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz.