Nawaz vows to safeguard Pakistan’s stability

Published April 30, 2014
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif talks to media representative after his arrival in London on Tuesday. – APP Photo
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif talks to media representative after his arrival in London on Tuesday. – APP Photo
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is being received by Special Representative of British Foreign & Commonwealth Office Nicholas Jarrold at Heathrow Airport in London on Tuesday. – APP Photo
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is being received by Special Representative of British Foreign & Commonwealth Office Nicholas Jarrold at Heathrow Airport in London on Tuesday. – APP Photo

LONDON: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said that stability of Pakistan would be protected and expressed the hope that the dialogue process with the Pakistani Taliban would yield positive results.

Speaking to media representatives after arriving here on a three-day official visit, he said the dialogue process was started with sincerity as it was good for the country's stability.

“If peace is established through talks and the lawlessness and carnage are controlled, then it is a good thing,” said the prime minister.

The whole world, he added, adopted such mechanisms and referred to the UK's history by saying that the host country had also resolved its issues with Ireland.

About Karachi's situation, Prime Minister Sharif said soon after assuming responsibilities of the government, they took measures for the restoration of peace in the port city.

“We did not waste time. We took all the parties onboard. Through operation, the situation in Karachi is being controlled. Peace in Karachi is dear to us as it is an economic hub and commercial center of Pakistan and we are paying special attention to it,” he said.

About his current visit to the United Kingdom, the premier said it would further strengthen the bonds between the two countries.

He said the agenda for his UK visit was already decided and hoped that his meeting with his British counterpart would bring both the countries further closer.

About Hamid Mir's incident, the prime minister said that all should look towards the commission which has been formed and added that the media in Pakistan was free.

To another query, he replied that the government has been undertaking measures for economic development, which created friendly economic environment, prompting the expatriates to invest in the country and share their part in its development.

“The economic indicators are showing upward and positive trends,” he added.

Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs Ishaq Dar, Special Assistant to PM on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch are accompanying the prime minister.

Opinion

Editorial

Slow start
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Slow start

Despite high attendance, the NA managed to pass only a single money bill during this period.
Sindh lawlessness
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Sindh lawlessness

A recently released report describes the law and order situation in Karachi as “worryingly poor”.
Punjab budget
15 Jun, 2024

Punjab budget

PUNJAB’S budget for 2024-25 provides much fodder to those who believe that the increased provincial share from the...
Budget and politics
Updated 14 Jun, 2024

Budget and politics

PML-N, scared of taking bold steps lest it loses whatever little public support it has, has left its traditional support — traders — virtually untouched.
New talks?
14 Jun, 2024

New talks?

WILL this prove another false start, or may we expect a more sincere effort this time? Reference is made to the...
A non-starter
14 Jun, 2024

A non-starter

WHILE the UN Security Council had earlier this week adopted a US-backed resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza...