Pakistan's envoy to London Dr Maleeha Lodhi has thanked the ruling Labour Party for its commitment to help resolve the Kashmir dispute and billed it a "significant step."
She was speaking at a reception hosted by her for the second consecutive year, during the six day long annual Labour Party's conference at one of the most scenic sea resorts of UK here late Wednesday.
The reception was attended by British Prime Minister's wife Cherie Blair, State Minister for Pensions Reform Stephen Timms, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Liam Byrne, Lord Rooker State Minister for Northern Ireland, Parliamentary Secretary in the House of Lords Baroness Ashton, Parliamentary Secretary in the House of Lords Lord Bach, many British MPs, including two Muslim MPs of Pakistani heritage Shahid Malik and Sadiq Khan.
It was "for the first time that a mainstream British political party committed itself to help resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. This was a very significant step taken by the Labour Party and clearly reflected its deep understanding of our region," she said while referring to the Labour's Manifesto of 2005 elections, which were won by it for the third consecutive term under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Kashmir is the core issue and there cannot be viable peace in South Asia without its just settlement, said Lodhi.
"There is, therefore, need for the international community to remain engaged in encouraging the peace process between Pakistan and India," she said.
She said her reception was a modest gesture in appreciation of Labour Party's active support for promoting Pak-UK relations and thanked its members, Ministers and British Pakistanis amidst applause for joining with the Pakistan High Commission "to celebrate your achievements as well as the growing strategic ties between our two countries."
Pak-UK multi-faceted ties, she said, had come a long way during last four years and the Joint Statement issued at the end of President General Pervez Musharraf's official visit to London in December 2004 defined these ties as "A Partnership for Peace and Prosperity".
Both President Musharraf and Prime Minister Tony Blair met again in the sidelines of the UN in New York on September 14 and the Joint Statement, issued on the occasion, reiterated "our mutual desire to strengthen our relations across the board."
"We in Pakistan are confident that our relations, which are manifested, are contributing towards promoting peace and prosperity in the world," said Maleeha.
She said the London bombings of July 7 had brought fore new issues and new challenges. The tragic events have underscored two facts. First, terrorism is a global threat and needs a collective response from the international community. Second, the threat of terrorism and extremism cannot be countered unless "we eliminate their underlying causes."
She emphasised the need for a just and peaceful settlement of the Kashmir and Palestinian issues.
"We need to evolve both short and long-term strategic strategies," to address global terrorism and extremism, she said.
Pakistan and Britain, she said, were working very closely to counter terrorism. It was encouraging that British government had initiated a consultation process with the British Muslim community leaders. The next is implementation of their recommendations, she said, adding, that establishment of the Commission on Integration is a step in the right direction.
The envoy praised Pakistani Diaspora in Britain for playing an important role in the development of this country and Pakistan was proud of them. The presence of four and three Britons of Pakistani heritage in the House of Commons and the House of Lords respectively indicated that British Pakistanis had come of age and "the credit goes to your party."
"The four British-Pakistanis MPs are from your party. This is testimony to Labour's approach based on inclusivity, which is the key to integration." said Lodhi.