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Nisar, UK high commissioner to Pakistan discuss bilateral ties
* Interior minister says taking fight against militants and extremists to its logical conclusion is foremost priority of govt
APP
ISLAMABAD: British High Commissioner to Pakistan Philip Barton called on Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan at Punjab House here on Wednesday and discussed matters relating to Pak-UK bilateral relations.
They also discussed Interior Minister’s recent visit to the United Kingdom (UK) and his meetings with the British leadership, besides regional situation, said a press release.
Discussing Pak-UK multifaceted bilateral relations, the Interior Minister while expressing satisfaction over the upward trajectory of the bilateral relations appreciated the UK’s strong commitment and support to Pakistan for strengthening of democracy, economy and the state institutions.
Speaking about government’s priorities, the Interior Minister said that pursuing fight against militants and extremists to its logical conclusion was the foremost priority and no effort would be spared towards this end.
He said that concrete measures being taken under the National Action Plan clearly reflect the will of the nation to rid the land from the menace of extremism and to secure peace for the country and beyond.
The lifting of moratorium on capital punishment in Pakistan also came under discussion.
The minister said that though it was an internal matter of Pakistan, he understood “the concern of our friends in the international community on the issue.”
He said after withdrawal of the moratorium on capital punishment for terrorism-related cases, it was not possible to maintain a partial moratorium in other cases as that would have been discriminatory and against law and the Constitution.
He said that law did not allow partial or discriminatory implementation in any form. He further elaborated that due process would be followed, in letter and spirit, in ensuring just application of the law.
He also said that Pakistan had an independent judiciary which would ensure the rights of every defendant.
The High Commissioner appreciated efforts of the government and the people of Pakistan towards fighting militancy and terrorism.
He also assured the British government’s continued support towards strengthening social sector and state institutions of the country.
Separately, Balochistan Frontier Corps Inspector General Major General Sher Afgun on Wednesday called on Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan at Punjab House and briefed him on overall law and order situation in Balochistan.
He told the minister about various efforts being made to serve the people in critical areas such as education. He also brought to the attention of the minister various matters concerning the functioning of force.
The minister while welcoming Major General Sher Afgun to his new post appreciated the role of FC towards maintaining law and order and ensuring security and safety of the people in the province.
The minister said that FC was performing multi-pronged functions in Balochistan which included besides its normal responsibilities, police functions supporting the army and giving intelligence input all of which has contributed significantly towards improving law and order situation in the province in the last one year, continued the minister. He assured his full support to the organisation in its efforts for maintenance of law and order and also towards meeting its requirements. The minister wished IG-FC all the best in pursuit of his professional duties.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk