Nisar urges West to do more to curb Islamophobia

Published February 24, 2015
British Home Secretary Theresa May (L) and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar (R). — AFP/file
British Home Secretary Theresa May (L) and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar (R). — AFP/file

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has urged the West to do more to curb Islamophobia, a report published on Radio Pakistan said.

Talking to British Home Secretary Theresa May in London, he said democracy and freedom of speech in no way give a license to anybody to humiliate Muslims, distort their religious beliefs or make jest of their religious personalities.

He said success in the war against extremism can only be achieved through global unity and that those spreading Islamophobia are the biggest divisive factor in stopping the international community from coming together.

May said Britain attaches great importance to its relationship with Pakistan, adding that it will do everything to further strengthen these bilateral ties.

Nisar also held a meeting with British National Security Adviser Sir Kim Darroch and discussed matters of bilateral interest.

The minister shared Pakistan's comprehensive strategy to defeat extremism and terrorism and apprised the adviser about the national consensus evolved in shape of the National Action Plan (NAP) and progress it has made so far.

Nisar underscored UK's important role in bringing East and West together in the fight against extremism.

Expressing satisfaction on the upward trajectory of Pakistan-UK relations, both sides agreed to continue the momentum of cooperation in a wide range of areas with special focus on security cooperation.

Commending Pakistan's efforts in the fight against terrorism, Darroch assured continued cooperation from the British side.

He appreciated the resolve of the Pakistani government and people to deal with terrorism in a comprehensive manner.

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