LAHORE (Staff Report) – British High Commissioner Thomas Drew met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif here on Thursday, and condemned the terrorist strike at Gulshan Iqbal Park.
The British envoy expressed his deep sense of sorrow and grief over the loss of precious human lives. He also extended condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families.
“Britain is with the Punjab government and its people in this hour of grief and standing with Pakistan for eliminating terrorism,” said Thomas Drew, adding that the UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan in tackling terrorism.
“As Prime Minister David Cameron said in his message of condolence to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We will continue to provide support and assistance to the Government of Pakistan as it works to defeat those who plan and carry out these acts of terror.”
The British High Commissioner visited Lahore, in his first official visit since taking post.
Speaking on the occasion, Shehbaz Sharif said that Gulshan Iqbal Park tragedy was the worst incident of the history. The whole nation has once again united for coping with terrorism, he added.
The chief minister said that terrorism is a common problem of the world and it has to be dealt with jointly.
The British High Commissioner also met leading figures from Lahore’s academic, political, development and business sectors. He sought their views on the issues, opportunities and challenges facing Pakistan.
Mr Drew also paid a visit to the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) where he was hosted by Syed Babar Ali, Pro-Chancellor of LUMS, Prof Dr Sohail H. Naqvi, Vice Chancellor of LUMS and student representatives from various departments of the University.
He also met the Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Shaharyar Khan, with whom he discussed the Pakistan cricket team’s upcoming tour of the UK.
Finally he visited the Kashf Foundation’s training and small business incubation centre for women in the Walton Cantonment area of Lahore.
