Pakistan and UK committed to peace and fighting terrorism: Wajid

MANCHESTER: Emphasising the importance of deep rooted friendship between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Britain Wajid Shamsul Hasan has said that both countries are committed and determined to work together for peace, security and fighting terrorism and extremism.

Speaking at a reception hosted by him for delegates attending the annual Labour Party Conference here last night, he said there should not be any doubts about Pakistan being the lead player in the war against terrorism and extremism.

“Whatever the odds and challenges we are determined to work together to eradicate extremism and terrorism from the face of the world. We would not be deterred by these evil forces and will do whatever possible to bring criminals to justice”, he said.

Prominent among those who attended the reception were Foreign Secretary David Miliband, Defence Secretary Des Browne, Junior Minister Shahid Malik, former Foreign Secretary Sir Gerald Kaufmann, MPS Khalid Mahmood, Neil Gerald, Mike Gapes, Martin Salter, Brian Iddon, Virendar Sharma, Lord Clarke, Deputy High Commissioner Manzoor ul Haq and senior officials from Pakistan consulate in Manchester.

The High Commissioner spoke of the Saturday’s bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad and said his country is paying a very heavy price against the twin scourge of terrorism and extremism.

In this regard, he also mentioned the assassination of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and said she laid down her life for democracy and the rights of the down trodden.

On Government measures to tackle this menace, the High Commissioner said it is devising policies in a comprehensive manner and using a multi-dimensional approach rather than the use of force as the only option.

Mr. Hasan pointed out that areas most affected by terrorism need to be developed to bring prosperity and fruits of progress through development of socio-economic, administrative and political infra-structure to enable the stake holders in managing their own affairs.

He also spoke of a huge backlog of failures and mismanagement on the part of the previous government which the new democratic government has inherited including worst economy and a non-existent law and order machinery.

The High Commissioner mentioned the enormous support extended by the Labour Party, people of the UK and its media in Pakistan’s march towards democracy.

He was confident that UK would help Pakistan build strong democratic institutions and a culture of tolerance to enable his country become a model of moderation among Muslim and developing states and as the harbinger of liberal, secular and progressive polity.

Speaking about the recent visit of President Asif Ali Zardari to the UK and his meeting with Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the High Commissioner said the two leaders held very productive negotiations and emphasised the importance of Pakistan-UK relations and the need for further strengthening of co-operation between the two countries.

He said the two leaders also appreciated the contribution of a million strong British citizens of Pakistani origin in strengthening friendship between the two countries.

Mr. Hasan recalled the adoption of Kashmir resolution by the Labour Party in its annual conference in 1995 which came to be known as ‘Brighton Declaration.’

He said the Labour resolution had categorically declared that after coming into power, the party would work for the solution of the longest standing unresolved Kashmir problem according to the principle of right of self-determination sanctioned by the United Nations.

“That promise alas remains unfulfilled,” he pointed out.

Courtesy: APP

Sept 23, 2008