British leader briefed on priorities

Published September 4, 2008

ISLAMABAD, Sept 3: The leader of Britain’s Conservative Party, David Cameron, called on Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday.

Mr Cameron, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan, also discussed the status of bilateral relations, trade, development assistance and investment between the two countries.

Mr Qureshi briefed Mr Cameron about developments in Pakistan after the induction of the PPP-led government.

He highlighted the government’s priorities, particularly in context of economic growth and development, suppressing extremism and terrorism and strengthening democratic institutions.

Mr Cameron assured Mr Qureshi of his party’s support on all issues.

The foreign minister emphasised the need for more access for Pakistani products in the European Union, saying it would complement the government’s efforts to root out poverty and extremism.

Mr. Cameron agreed to take up the issue with the EU officials. The situation in Afghanistan, relations with India and nuclear non-proliferation were also discussed.

Mr Qureshi stressed the need for promoting peace in Afghanistan and reaffirmed the government’s resolve not to allow anyone to use Pakistan’s soil for subversive activities in Afghanistan.

He apprised Mr Cameron about the status of the composite dialogue with India and “our endeavours to resolve all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute”.

He highlighted Pakistan’s policy on nuclear non- proliferation and said it was making efforts to bring about a “just and non-discriminatory nuclear non-proliferation regime”.

Mr Cameron praised Pakistan’s position on various issues.—APP

Opinion

Editorial

Closed doors
Updated 08 Jan, 2025

Closed doors

The nation’s fate has been decided through secret deals for too long, with the result that the citizenry has become increasingly alienated from the state.
Debt burden
08 Jan, 2025

Debt burden

THE federal government’s total debt stock soared by above 11pc year-over-year to Rs70.4tr at the end of November,...
GB power crisis
08 Jan, 2025

GB power crisis

MASS protests are not a novelty in Pakistan, and when the state refuses to listen through the available channels —...
Fragile peace
Updated 07 Jan, 2025

Fragile peace

Those who have lost loved ones, as well as those whose property has been destroyed in the clashes, must get justice.
Captive power cut
07 Jan, 2025

Captive power cut

THE IMF’s refusal to relax its demand for discontinuation of massively subsidised gas supplies to mostly...
National embarrassment
Updated 07 Jan, 2025

National embarrassment

The global eradication of polio is within reach and Pakistan has no excuse to remain an outlier.