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Today's Paper | November 23, 2024

Published 30 Apr, 2014 09:10pm

Pakistan committed to eradicate terrorism, says Nawaz

LONDON: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated that Pakistan was fully committed to eliminate menace of terrorism from its soil and would never allow use of its territory against any country, including Afghanistan.

The prime minister, who is on a three-day official visit to the United Kingdom, had a meeting with his British counterpart, Prime Minister David Cameron here at 10 Downing Street and discussed “matters of bilateral interest, the regional situation as well as other issues of international importance.”

Sharif recalled the visit of British premier to Pakistan last year and said he was here to reciprocate the sentiments expressed by PM Cameron.

The prime minister said Pakistan had suffered a lot due to terrorism and extremism, and was determined to tackle the menace, under its newly formulated national security policy.

The government of PM Sharif is currently engaged in peace talks with the Pakistani Taliban to try to end a seven-year insurgency.

Since the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) began their campaign of violence in 2007, Thousands of civilians and military personnel have been killed in bomb and gun attacks around Pakistan.

Nato countries including Britain also want Pakistan to help tackle the Taliban in neighbouring Afghanistan as foreign troops prepare to leave by the end of this year.

Premier Sharif appreciated the continued support and assistance by the DFID UK to Pakistan for different development projects.

Earlier, Prime Minister Cameron warmly welcomed his Pakistani counterpart and reiterated UK's all-out support in its pursuit of strengthening economy and achieving socio-economic development of the South Asian country.

He also backed the Pakistani government's efforts in combating terrorism and extremism.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed current level of bilateral ties in various areas, including trade and economy, and renewed their commitment to further strengthen these relations.

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