LAHORE, Dec 5: Hoping that all political parties here will support a peaceful settlement of the Afghanistan issue, Britain sees Pakistan as ‘inevitable’ in the formation of the future Afghan government.

“We hope that there will be no change in foreign policy of Islamabad vis-à-vis Afghanistan with the change of guards (if any) in the country after the forthcoming general election,” UK High Commissioner Adam Thomson told a group of reporters at an informal meeting here.

He had been asked if his country expected any change in Pakistan’s foreign policy if the PML-N or the Tehrik-i-Insaaf made it to the power corridors in the polls as both parties had been opposing the war on terror the UK along with other allies in US-led Isaf forces are fighting in Afghanistan.

“Pakistan definitely has a key role in peaceful settlement of the issue and formation of the government. Rather it has to play a key role before pullout of the Isaf from there,” he told a questioner, adding they were encouraged by the recent reconciliation taking place between Islamabad and Kabul.

He said the next Pakistan government would be facing a daunting task in tackling the militancy in its territory along Afghan border as some (militant) groups were not under the control of Islamabad. But, he said “we’ll extend all-out support to Pakistan not leaving our ally in the lurch.”

About the war on terror, he said it’s a common problem both for Pakistan as well as Britain and other peace-loving countries and they were still looking for the best solution to the issue.

Replying to a query about local politics, he said they saw a smooth transition of power after the elections which, he believed, would be held in a fair manner and in time.

“In the presence of the cleanest electoral rolls, an independent Election Commission and judiciary with a vibrant and watchful media, the election results will be credible than ever before,” he hoped.

Describing ‘bad’ governance as the most serious issue for Pakistan, he said the next rulers would have to take bold decisions in the beginning particularly on the economic front by introducing structural reforms.

He said Britain would also enhance its trade ties with Pakistan as a stable Pakistan would ultimately benefit his country.