Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said Pakistan was facing threat from external forces, while the US drone attacks were fanning hatred in the country. He said this while talking to a British delegation led by British Foreign Minister's Special Representative on Pakistan and Afghanistan, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, who called on him at his Raiwind residence.
The British High Commissioner in Pakistan, Robert Brinkley was also present on the occasion. During the meeting, various matters of mutual interest including issues pertaining to war on terror, situation in tribal areas of NWFP and Swat agreement came under discussion, sources told Business Recorder.
Nawaz, according to sources, told the British delegation that proofs of foreign forces intervention in Balochistan and NWFP had been gathered. "If the situation was not brought under control, peace in the region could be endangered, "the PML-N leader said.
He further said the fight against militancy and extremism could only be won by good governance and by providing relief to the people in the shape of justice and fair play. He also said Pakistani nation believes in peace and moderation while the country's affairs are being run under the country's constitution.
Nawaz also stressed the need for supporting the democratic forces in Pakistan as well as strengthening of the institutions of state. With the strengthening of democracy, the writ of the government would be boosted, he added. He stressed that militancy takes roots during the periods of dictatorship, which breeds anger and alienation among the people. He said Pakistan was facing difficult situation due to its role in war against terrorism.
The British High Commissioner in Pakistan, Robert Brinkley, expressed his concern over increasing activities of Taliban in the country's tribal areas. He said the government must review Swat peace agreement. He said the UK was ready to extend co-operation to Islamabad for promotion of democracy and economic uplift.