UK National Security Adviser Sir Peter Ricketts and Chief of Defence Staff General Sir David Richards on Tuesday discussed issues pertaining to regional security with special reference to Pak-Afghan border, tribal areas, war on terror and Raymond Davis case with President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, it is learnt.
According to sources, they also discussed Nato forces war against al Qaeda and Taliban in Afghanistan and the on-going Pakistan military operation against terrorists in FATA. Political unrest in North Africa and the Middle East also came under discussion.
Sir Peter Ricketts, UK National Security Adviser called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday. Sir Ricketts was accompanied by Sir John Sawers, Chief of SIS (Secret Intelligence Service) and Adam Thomson, UK high Commissioner in Pakistan.
Those who attended the meeting from the Pakistan side included Interior Minister Senator Rehman A. Malik, Secretary General M. Salman Faruqui, DG ISI Lieutenant General Ahmad Shuja Pasha and Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir. President's Spokesman Farhatullah Babar while briefing the media about the meeting said that the discussion mainly focused on Afghanistan, South Asia, war against terror and regional security issues.
The President said that stability in Afghanistan was necessary for peace and stability in South Asia. He emphasised on peace process in that country that was Afghan-led rather than foreign backed. The President said that appreciation of the dynamics of human relations was no less important than machines and weapons.
The President said that any initiative on Afghanistan should ensure Afghan ownership of the process as well as territorial integrity of the country and that its soil was not used against any other country. Pakistan stands for peaceful, stable, friendly and united Afghanistan, as Pakistan is directly impacted by any development relating to Afghanistan, the President said. The President said that Pakistan has rendered countless sacrifices both human and material than any other country in the on-going fight against militancy and terrorism.
He said that this was a long-drawn battle where force alone can not accomplish complete victory as it was also a battle for hearts and minds. The President said that the government besides pursuing its policy of dialogue, development and deterrence is also taking measures to weaning away the youth falling into the traps of militants.
The President said for this purpose he has been urging the international community, especially the allies to allow market access to Pakistan to generate jobs in the country and win the battle for hearts and minds through provision of opportunities. He said that recently in the secretary level talks Pakistan and India agreed on resumption of dialogue on all issues.
The President said that Britain and Pakistan need to work closely to further enhance their partnership in diverse areas mainly in trade, investment and education with a view to eliminate militancy and terrorism from Pakistan and promote peace and security of the region and the world. Sir Peter Ricketts appreciated the huge sacrifices rendered by the law enforcing agencies and the people of Pakistan in fighting extremism and assured full support of the British government in curbing militancy and revival of war and flood ravaged economy.
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