ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and the United Kingdom pledged on Tuesday to resolve the common problems being faced by the two countries including security, counter-terrorism and immigration.
After holding a meeting in Islamabad, Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan and his British counterpart Amber Rudd conducted a joint press conference, and described their talks as constructive and meaningful.
According to Radio Pakistan, Chaudhary Nisar said the two countries discussed the sharing of intelligence and exchange of information. He said that the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for enhanced cooperation in the realm of security.
He acknowledged that there were few impediments and they have agreed to settle them within the limitations of their authority and respective systems.
He said that Pakistan and the United Kingdom have always enjoyed closer cooperation in security.
The minister hoped that the British Prime Minister would visit Pakistan at the earliest to strengthen the process of mutual collaboration in diverse fields.
Nisar added that the government was continuously raising the issue of MQM founder Altaf Hussain with Britain.
British Home Secretary Amber Rudd said the United Kingdom has unique relations with Pakistan as two percent of its population traces their roots back to Pakistan. She said they discussed issues of security, immigration, and justice during the meeting.
The British Home Secretary hailed the efforts of Government of Pakistan and its law enforcing agencies for improving security across Pakistan over the last two years.
She, however, said that the challenge prevailed still and the two countries should work together for increased security for their people. She said that a number of British national want to trade and invest in Pakistan.
Referring the challenge of terrorism, extremism and organized crime, she said that Pakistan has suffered the most from the scourge of terrorism.
She said special envoy of the British Prime Minister on counter-terrorism will visit Pakistan shortly to expand cooperation structured around Pakistan’s own National Action Plan.
Amber Rudd said that Britain was also providing assistance to make the new Islamabad International Airport safe and secure for travelers.
Replying to questions, the British Home Secretary said it would be her endeavour that the country’s justice system is applied to everyone equally with no exception. Britain is committed to work closely with Pakistan to facilitate application of justice in all cases. She said there is absolutely no tolerance in
She said there is absolutely no tolerance in UK for illegal activities for people who think they can evade the law.
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