ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said Pakistan is playing a major role in restoring peace and stability in the South Asian region during a meeting with the Acting British High Commissioner in Islamabad, DawnNews reported.

The meeting in the federal capital Tuesday also included members of a committee of British defence analysts.

On this occasion, members of the committee said that Britain was determined to strengthen its relations with Pakistan.

The Acting British High Commissioner moreover told Rehman — who is expected to spearhead the dialogue with militant groups — that UK favoured these talks.

An All Parties Conference (APC) held last month, which included all major political leaders of Pakistan, agreed on initiating talks with “all stakeholders”.

The APC, chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and attended by the Army and intelligence chiefs as well as leaders of all major political parties, concluded after adopting a consensus resolution to overcome the ‘national security crisis’ besetting Pakistan.

While discussing the issue of negotiations with militant groups, the delegation said that Britain would extend support to Pakistan, adding that both countries were on the same page regarding the matter.

The members acknowledged the contribution of British Pakistanis and said that UK favours a prosperous and strong Pakistan.

Separately, the JUI-F chief said Pakistanis residing in the UK were playing an important role in contributing to the nation’s economy.