- NSA urges Britain to adopt a balanced regional approach
Pakistan Tuesday expressed its anger and anguish over what its National Security Adviser (NSA) Nasser Janjua on Tuesday explained how the United Kingdom (UK) was unfortunately preferring individuals over its relationship with the state.
He spoke his heart out while talking to a seven-member British parliamentary delegation which called on him here at his office. The adviser was speaking with reference to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain as well as 13 Baloch leaders, who have found a safe abode in the UK, in a rare use of harsh tone since his appointment.
The British delegation discussed various issues and challenges both the countries faced, including Altaf’s self-imposed exile, Pakistan’s relationship with India and the Kashmir issue. While the UK is moving towards departing from Europe, London is focusing on Asia with a special eagerness to join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The kingdom is also increasing a role in the peace process in Afghanistan and a recent trilateral meeting was also held in London which was also attended by leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan. “NSA elaborately explained how UK is preferring individuals over state relationship. In addition to Altaf Hussain, he (NSA) mentioned of some Baloch leaders who find their safe abode in the UK,” according to an official statement issued here.
Pakistan and United Kingdom are fast moving towards bridging gaps in the bilateral relations and this parliamentary delegation is a part of the same commitment expressed by the leadership of both the countries. The adviser observed these views when the parliamentarians sought his opinion on many serious issues and challenges faced by Pakistan and UK.
“Referring to India, the adviser explained how the fragile security architecture of the region is fast becoming under stress and has started to suffer of serious imbalance,” the statement said, adding that the NSA also urged United Kingdom to have a balanced regional approach as the imbalance in the region is becoming critical which needs to be retrieved and restored immediately.
Janjua also apprised the delegates of a greater and brighter future which Pakistan holds by providing largest geo-strategic connectivity to the world. Besides discussing regional and global issues significant for both Pakistan and UK, the visiting delegation exchanged views on matters pertaining to further enhancing bilateral cooperation.
The NSA warmly welcomed the delegation and said that Pakistan highly values its relationship with UK which has a strategic character. He stressed the need for further improving the understanding between the two countries to strengthen these ties and explore more areas of cooperation.
He briefed the delegates at length about the rise of extreme thought, extremism, conflict in Muslim world, rise of the Islamic State, resilience and sacrifices of Pakistani nation, seeking closure of overall conflict situations in the region and world, control and restraints of social media to curb spread of extremism and implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP).
The leader of the delegation said that UK understands and acknowledges the role of Pakistan against terrorism. The members of delegation also appreciated the resilience of Pakistani nation against terrorism and urged a desire to strengthen and diversify relations with Pakistan to face the challenges of future together.