PM Nawaz arrives in UK to attend London Conference on Afghanistan

KARACHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in London on Tuesday to attend the London Conference on Afghanistan, Radio Pakistan reported.

British Prime Minister David Cameron had invited the premier to this event on October 28.

The Prime Minister was received by a representative of the British Government and Pakistan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Syed Ibne Abbas, at Heathrow Airport.

Co-organised by Britain and Afghanistan, the conference will take place from December 3 to 4.

According to an official statement, the conference will provide a platform for the government of Afghanistan to set out its vision for reform and for the international community to demonstrate enduring solidarity and support for Afghanistan.

No issue in resuming dialogue with PTI

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Tuesday that his government does not have any issue in resuming dialogue with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), provided it led to an end to the party’s “double standards”, Radio Pakistan reported.

Talking to newsmen after landing in London, Nawaz said he had visited Imran Khan at his residence in Islamabad few months back and discussed all issues openly. But insisted that the ‘politics of lies’ must end.

He defended his government, claiming that they were delivering on all issues, but protesting parties were creating hurdles.

Nawaz said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz believed in democracy, and had always struggled to strengthen democratic norms in the country but new parties were sowing the seeds of hatred.

Appointment of CEC

Regarding the appointment of chief election commissioner, the prime minister said he held constructive talks with Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Khurshid Shah, and the name of a new CEC would be finalised with consensus.