Pakistan, UK agree to curb extremism, terrorism

Pakistan, UK agree to curb extremism, terrorism Sunday, July 27, 2008 - BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan and the United Kingdom have commonality of interest on a range of issues to tackle extremism and terrorism through economic and social development and uplift of the tribal areas.Addressing a joint press conference after meeting members of the British Muslim community here on Friday evening, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his British counterpart David Miliband noted the complexity of the issue and said it could be settled through sustained efforts by all the stakeholders.Miliband said the UK supported the comprehensive multi-pronged strategy of Pakistan based on economic, political and social issues."We stand united in our determination against the danger posed by terrorism not only to the UK but also to Pakistan," said Miliband.He said the tragic death of Benazir Bhutto was terrorism striking at the heart of the Pakistani society."We need to make sure that we work bilaterally as well as to recognise that we shared interest within the borders of Afghanistan and outside," he added.Miliband dispelled the impression that the UK was lacking in any support for democracy in Pakistan, saying Britain backed its support not only with political statement but also with a very large economic package.Qureshi informed the media of his deep and substantive interaction with Miliband earlier on a number of bilateral issues and ways and means of strengthening the ties.He said the new democratic government needed space and time to settle down.Qureshi said both countries had shared a consensus and were keen on addressing these concerns.The foreign minister said Pakistan needed action plan to implement its strategy. To achieve this objective, he said, the country required international support and assistance to deal with the menace of extremism and terrorism.Replying to a question, Qureshi said the government was not holding talks with militants but with tribal elders and elected representatives of Fata.He said the objective was to wean off those with extremist tendencies through talks and uplift of the underdeveloped areas.Miliband said the democratic government in Pakistan had the support of both the UK and the US as well as other Western countries and all of them were keen on seeing strengthening of democratic institutions in Pakistan.Qureshi said the million-strong Pakistani community based in the UK could play a very important role by serving as a bridge between the two cultures and societies.He said in his discussion with Miliband, they shared commonality of interest and views and there was a desire on both sides to work together.Miliband said Britain remained a good friend of Pakistan and held it important for the two countries to work together to address global concerns on security and economic issues. Later, the two leaders had a lively interaction with young members of the British Muslim community.Qureshi left for the US on Saturday at the conclusion of his first official visit to the UK. High Commissioner to the UK Wajid Shamsul Hasan and other senior officials of the chancery were also present on the occasion.