ISLAMABAD, Jan 10: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has urged Britain to play a proactive role in defusing the tension between India and Pakistan.

Talking to members of a British parliamentary delegation, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that democracy in Pakistan was in transitional stage and needed the support of friendly countries. He said that strong democratic institutions, including an independent judiciary, were prerequisites of a stable and prosperous nation.

He said institutions should be strengthened to make Pakistan impregnable and economically robust. “The will of the people must prevail.”

The British parliamentarians’ delegation comprised MPs Mohammad Sarwar, Jim McGovern, Jim Divine and Mark Fisher. They were accompanied by Ambassador-at-Large Javed Malik.

Chaudhry Nisar said the international community should support Pakistan to curb militancy and terrorism instead of pointing fingers at Pakistan. He urged Britain to extend maximum diplomatic and economic support to the government, enabling it to ensure good governance and overcome the present crisis.

He called for enhanced interaction between the parliamentarians and praised the idea of the establishment of the Pakistan International Forum, which could help in clearing misconceptions about Islam and Pakistan.

The British MPs assured their support in tackling problems being faced by Pakistan and agreed that militancy and extremism were hindering peace and stability in the region.

They attributed the terrorism in Pakistan to some misled and deviant elements, wearing the garb of religion. They agreed that like other religions, Islam “is a religion of peace and abhors extremism and terrorism”.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Sherry Rehman hosted a lunch for the British delegation.

Ms Rehman highlighted Pakistan’s historical relations with the UK and said: “We greatly value Britain’s support for Pakistan’s democratic government.

“Pakistan is committed to its diversified strategic partnership with the UK to fight extremism and terrorism; to bring peace to the region; and to enhance mutual opportunities for trade, investment and economic growth.” The minister also called for more such people-to-people contacts.

Ms Rehman said that one million Pakistani expatriates living in the UK were playing a vital role in cementing the bonds of friendship between the two countries.

The federal minister informed the delegation about the government’s media outreach and communications set-up and recent efforts vis-à-vis contemporary media environment.

She highlighted the government’s focus on issues related to growth of democracy, national security and counter-terrorism and said that her ministry was cooperating with the UK in counter-terrorism communications.

The British parliamentarians informed the minister about their efforts to safeguard and promote interests of Pakistani constituents living in Britain.