HYDERABAD, March 20: The British government is supporting and cooperating with the Pakistani government and not with an individual for the country being an important alley on war on terror, said British Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi Robert W. Gibson. This he said to journalists during a visit to Hyderabad Press Club, on Thursday.

He said he took the charge of his assignment in Pakistan some seven weeks back and visiting interior of Sindh to get acquainted with the situation as majority population resides in villages.

He said he so far met district nazims of Nawabshah, Matiari and Hyderabad and some leaders of public opinion, including Dr Qadir Magsi.

He said the Press always played an important role in the affairs of a country and the Pakistani Press was not oblivious of this role.

Answering a question, he said during next three years, the British government will provide 480 million pounds to Pakistan for various development schemes with no strings attached.

Answering another question about the publication of blasphemous caricature in Danish Press, the British Deputy High commissioner said the British government and the people believed in the freedom of press but added that it should be a responsible press and should not hurt the sensibilities of any religious group.

Answering yet another question about his government’s support to President Pervez Musharraf, Mr Gibson said they were supporting Pakistan and not an individual as the country was playing a great role in war against terrorism.

Earlier, he was welcomed by the President Hyderabad Press Club Khalid Khokhar and presented Ajrak and Sindhi cap.

STP: Mr Gibson also met with the Sindh Taraqi Passand Party Chairman Dr Qadir Magsi at the Taraqi Passand House.

According to a press release of the STP, Dr Qadir Magsi briefed Mr Gibson of the step-motherly treatment being meted out to Sindh by the federation and a particular province.

Mr Magsi also spoke of the 1940 Resolution according to which Sindh agreed to join Pakistan but complained that this resolution had never been implemented in letter and spirit.