Pakistan's sincere efforts for peace being misconstrued: Nisar

Interior minister says Pakistan expects that there would be no discrimination at international level on this issue

LONDON: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar AliKhan on Thursday told the British National Security Adviser Kim Darroch that Pakistan was committed to peace in Afghanistan and that its efforts were being subjected to negativity and wrong reactions.

In a meeting at 10 Downing Street in London on Thursday, Nisar and Darroch discussed Pakistan-UK bilateral relations, mutual cooperation and the regional situation, said a press statement.

Discussing ongoing war against terrorism, the Interior Minister said that menace of terrorism was a threat to the region and international peace and tranquility. "The people of Pakistan and our state institutions are determined to complete elimination of this threat."

He said as a result of Operation Zarb-e-Azb and pursuing National Action Plan, the security situation in Pakistan has significantly improved.

Discussing regional situation, Nisar observed that peace, stability and development in Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan. He added that having friendly relations with neighboring countries on the basis of equality is the fundamental and basic principle of Pakistan's foreign policy.

However, he lamented how, despite Pakistan’s sincere efforts for peace in Afghanistan, were subjected to negative and wrong reaction.

While highlighting immense sacrifices of Pakistanis in the war against terrorism, the interior minister said the people of Pakistan expect that there would be no discrimination at international level on this sensitive issue.

He said the government and the people of Pakistan desire peace and greatly appreciate the cooperation of international community in this regard.

Talking about the role of Pakistani community in UK, the Nisar said that the Pakistani community in the UK was not only contributing towards development of the country but was also serving as a bridge to further cement Pakistan-UK bilateral relations and translating these relations to the level of people of the two countries.

Kim Darroch in his remarks greatly appreciated valuable sacrifices the people of Pakistan have rendered in war against terrorism.

He assured that UK would continue to provide every possible assistance for the welfare, socio-economic development of the people and strengthening of Pakistani institutions.