South Asia under stress, Janjua tells British envoy

ISLAMABAD: National Security Adviser Nasser Janjua held a meeting with British National Security Adviser Mark Lyall Grant and discussed relations between Pakistan and Britain.

Other issues including matters concerning regional stability, security and ongoing bilateral cooperation came under discussion. They exchanged views on strategic stability of the region. Janjua sensitised Lyall that the strategic stability of South Asian region is under stress. If we all believe that the future century belongs to Asia, the sensitivities of its strategic construct and balance must bear our closer focus. To ensure the strategic equilibrium, we should not prefer one over the other.

Pakistan’s NSA emphasized the need for political reconciliation in Afghanistan to achieve the goal of sustainable peace there. Referring to Kashmir, he also commented that, refusing to have dialogue, India has defeated the mechanism of bilateralism and reiterated the fact that Kashmir is our jugular vein and use of force there can never resolve this issue. He also urged UK to play its role in this regard. Furthermore, Janjua apprised the British national security adviser of the initiatives taken by Pakistan to improve the security situation within the country, including the military offensive ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ and National Action Plan.

Sir Lyall acknowledged the fact that Pakistan is facing challenges on multiple fronts. UK highly values the steps taken by Pakistan for elimination of terrorism. He also stressed the need to have good relation with neighbouring countries. He also hoped that positive efforts by Pakistan would certainly change its perception at international level. He also assured UK’s full cooperation and support to Pakistan in this regard.