ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior, Rehman Malik on Friday said Pakistan would not initiate a dialogue with local Taliban unless they lay down arms and give up terrorism.
A move of Taliban to end war voluntarily would be welcomed, Rehman Malik, along with United Kingdom's Home Secretary, Theresa May told media persons after visiting Police Lines Headquarters here.
He asked them to surrender by disarming themselves and refrain from playing into the hands of the enemy.
He said Pakistan had suffered billions of dollars losses in its war against terror and the international community should realize that this war was being fought to protect the world from the ravages of terrorism and to promote peace.
He said Pakistan and United Kingdom share a powerful interest in fighting the extremism and terrorism that threatens people in both countries as well as the whole world.
Replying to a question about activities of Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, he said, there is a democracy in Pakistan and courts are free to decide independently. Hafiz Saeed has been freed by court, he added.
On a question about killing of former Afghan President, Prof Burhanuddin Rabbani, Malik said he was a friend of Pakistan and his murder was sorrowful for both Pakistan and Afghanistan.
He said Prof Rabbani was making efforts for peace and it was Pakistan's responsibility to hunt down his killers, who had tried to disrupt the peace initiatives and damage Pak-Afghan ties.
The minister also mentioned the recent meetings of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in which it was decided that Pakistan would help the Afghan authorities in the investigation of his killing.
He said an Afghan delegation during its visit to Pakistan held meetings with Pakistan's law enforcement agencies' officials and has been assured cooperation with regard to find out killers of Prof. Rabbani.
Theresa May told media that UK recognises Pakistan’s sacrifices in fighting terrorism and would stand with Pakistan to combat terrorism and extremism.
She also expressed sympathy with the families of those who have sacrificed their lives in the war against terrorism. Around 36,000 Pakistanis including 3,500 policemen have laid down their lives in the war against terror.
Earlier, both leaders met with the families of victims of terrorism and acknowledged their sacrifices.
Upon their arrival at police lines headquarters, they were presented guard of honour and also laid floral wreath at Martyrs’ monument.
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