Improvement in Pakistan’s security situation impressive: UK Home Secretary

ISLAMABAD: The United Kingdom (UK) is impressed by how quickly Pakistan has managed to improve its security records, UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd said on a recent visit to Pakistan.

She was addressing a joint press briefing on Tuesday along with Pakistan Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar.

“We have a lot to learn from each other," she said adding that the UK could extend additional support to Pakistan to ensure it becomes a safer place to live.

To a question over the presence of Muttahida Qaumi Movement founder in London, the foreign secretary said she could understand concerns of Pakistan over the issue, but the matter was being dealt by the police and the Crown Prosecution Service, and she had faith in them.

Interior Minister Nisar said that the given the improved security situation in the country, “sky is the limit” to which the two countries can extend their cooperation with each other.

Answering a question over how the UK could help in improving relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Nisar said that a recent meeting attended by Foreign Adviser Sartaj Aziz and the Afghan National Security Adviser was held in London. The success of the talks could be gauged by the fact that Pakistan opened its borders at Torkham today, he added.

“I am extremely satisfied on discussion with British counterpart. There is understanding of each other’s viewpoint,” he said mentioning talks with home secretary.
Matters relating to security, counter-terrorism and immigration came under discussion during the meeting.

Chaudhry Nisar hoped that bilateral relations between the UK and Pakistan would be carried forward by two respective ministries and governments.
He appreciated role and proactive leadership of former home secretary and current Prime Minister of UK Theresa May who made many visits to Pakistan and she had many well wishers.

The minister said, “We are looking to Prime Minister’s visit to Pakistan in very future.”

He said the visit of British home secretary would give a new impetus to bilateral relations between the UK and Pakistan.

He said the UK was amongst a few countries where Pakistan’s viewpoint was largely understood and acknowledged.

“Pakistan wants legal and diplomatic solution of all hurdles in way of better relations between the two countries,” he said.

The minister said Pakistan would welcome every move to further promote bilateral ties between the two nations and strengthen implementation of law on equal grounds.

Pakistan and Britain had long history of bilateral relations, he said adding both sides had signed two agreements during the talks.

Chaudhry Nisar said more bilateral visits would be arranged specially for further promoting trade relations between the two countries.