Pakistan on Sunday sought a more proactive role of British government in efforts to end Indian atrocities in the Indian Occupied Kashmir, asking Britain to push India to enter into a sustained dialogue process with Pakistan, so as to enable the two countries to peacefully resolve their differences.
The message was conveyed during a meeting between the British National Security Adviser, Sir Mark Lyall Grant who called on the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here Sunday.
Mr Grant has special attachment to Pakistan where he served two terms as ambassador. The grandfather of Sir Mark Lyall Grant also served in united India and Lyall Pur, now renamed as Faisalabad, was named after grandfather of Sir Mark.
The visit by British special assistant to Pakistan reflects the stature Islamabad enjoys among the countries of P5. For the past few months, many dignitaries from important global players have visited Islamabad to express their support and commitment towards the state of Pakistan for its sacrifices and contributions made towards war against terrorism.
The Special Assistant also hosted a luncheon in honour of the distinguished visiting dignitary.
During the meeting, regional security issues and matters of mutual interest were also discussed. The Special Assistant briefed the visiting dignitary about the current situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir.
He also stressed that as a country with historic links to this region, and as a member-state of UN Security Council’s P-5, it was incumbent upon Britain to urge India to end its human rights violations in the occupied territory and to enter into a sustained dialogue process with Pakistan, so as to enable the two countries to peacefully resolve their differences.
Sir Mark LyallGrant acknowledged the important role being played by Pakistan in promoting peace and stability in the region. The Minister of State also briefed the visiting dignitary about Pakistan’s serious efforts to promote lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan, including the Afghan-owned and Afghan-led reconciliation process through the Quadrilateral Coordination Group.
The Special Assistant underscored the importance Pakistan attaches to its relations with the United Kingdom and noted that partnership between the two countries was moving in the right direction.
In this context, he recalled the recent warm and cordial meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Theresa May, in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Mr. Fatemi highlighted the improved security situation and its positive impact on economic revival in Pakistan.
Sir Mark Lyall Grant acknowledged the significant achievements made by Pakistan and the sacrifices rendered by the people of Pakistan in their fight against terrorism. He reaffirmed the UK’s continued support to Pakistan.
