December 5, 2003	Friday	Shawwal 10, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 4: The government wants the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to keep Afghanistan high on its priority list as a stable Karzai government is in the best interest of Pakistan.

This was stated by interior minister Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat during his meeting with a British Intelligence and Security Select Committee comprising members of the House of Commons here on Wednesday.

The delegation included Alan Howarth, Anne Taylor, Kevin Barron, Michael Mates and Alistair Corbett.

The topics that came under discussion included border security, war against terrorism, issue of religious institutions that spread hatred, refugee problem, poppy cultivation and drug problem.

Talking about the issue of Afghan refugees, the minister said the government wanted their early repatriation. “Some of them had been sent back but majority of them again returned to Pakistan due to unsuitable conditions in Afghanistan,” he added.

The Pakistan government, he said, had arrested many international terrorists who had entered into the country as refugees.

Talking about the seminaries in the country, Mr Hayat said: “There is a misperception that all the Madaris are involved in spreading sectarian hatred, intolerance and violence. In fact, most of them are doing a commendable job and could be termed as glorified NGOs.”

Being a third world country, he said, the state could not provide health and education facilities to all. “Here comes the role of these Madaris. There are about 600,000 students who are being provided all facilities free of cost by these institutions. The government is even thinking of providing funds to best institutions,” he added.