June 26, 2008	Thursday	Jamadi-us-Sani 21, 1429

QUETTA, June 25: British Deputy High Commissioner Robert W. Gibson has said Pakistan’s new government has the responsibility to combat terrorism with its allies in the war on terror.

Talking to reporters at the Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Gibson said his government would continue to work with the new democratic set-up and support its policies for combating terrorism.

“There is a strong partnership between the UK and Pakistan and we are closely working with each other in the fight against terrorism and extremism,” he added.

When asked about increasing drug smuggling from Afghanistan, Mr Gibson said: “My country is extending all possible support to Pakistan to eradicate narcotics and stop drug smuggling from Afghanistan.”

He said the UK government had been supporting Pakistan for improving its educational system.

About the investment in the province, he said Balochistan was an important province and he would urge UK businessmen to invest in the province, adding that Britain encouraged small and medium enterprisers.