The visiting Pakistan Advisor on Interior Rahman Malik and his British counterpart Jacqui Smith discussed issues relating to bilateral ties particularly co-operation in countering terrorism and radicalisation. The meeting which lasted 45 minutes, also focussed on the prevailing situation on Pakistan's western border.
Speaking to media at conclusion of the meeting held at the Home Office on Wednesday, Malik said the security forces are in full control and militants will not be allowed to challenge the writ of the government.
He further said that number of suicide attacks have substantially decreased since the new government came into power in March this year. The two officials agreed a programme of UK-Pakistan co-operation on a range of issues including research into the drivers of violent extremism, communications, terrorist financing, aviation security, immigration, and police co-operation.
The advisor described the meeting as "constructive and useful". "It was an extension of our earlier meeting during Ms Smith's visit to Pakistan."
Smith on her part said: "We've had a very good meeting again following up the meeting that we had when I visited Islamabad earlier this year. As then we are completely clear that the people who we share and the ideas that we share make it even more important for us to work together particularly to counter the terrorism that threatens both Pakistan and the UK and I think we are very strong in our joint view of the continued work that we will be able to do to tackle that and the very strong friendship and links that there are between our countries."
The Advisor was assisted at the meeting by Director General, National Police Bureau, Tariq Khosa, DG, Immigration and Passports, Wajid Bukhari and Additional Secretary, Interior Ministry, Zafeer Abbasi.