Accord with UK for stay of Pakistanis without documents, says Nisar

British home secretary says understands Pakistan’s concerns over Altaf issue but can’t intervene

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Tuesday said agreements had been reached with the UK government including one that relates to Pakistanis living in the Britain without any relevant documents.

The minister said this while addressing a joint press conference along with British Home Secretary Amber Rudd after a meeting here. The British home secretary said she could understand concerns of Pakistan over the issue of the MQM founder Altaf Hussain, but the matter was being dealt by the police and the Crown Prosecution Service and the British government cannot intervene.

Nisar said the two countries discussed sharing of intelligence and exchange of information. He said that after detailed discussion the two sides have signed a memorandum of understanding for enhanced cooperation in the realm of security. He said Pakistan and the UK enjoyed stable relations and visit of Home Secretary Amber Rudd would strengthen ties in diverse fields. He said nothing serious had affected the bilateral ties, however, there were certain irritants and roadblocks and the two sides had resolved to address the issues.

“I am extremely satisfied on discussion with British counterpart. There is understanding of each other's viewpoint," he said, mentioning talks with the home secretary. Matters relating to security, counter-terrorism and immigration came under discussion during the meeting. Chaudhry Nisar hoped that bilateral relations between UK and Pakistan would be carried forward by two respective ministries and governments. He appreciated the role and proactive leadership of the former home secretary and current Prime Minister of UK Theresa May who made many visits to Pakistan.

“We are looking to the prime minister's visit to Pakistan in near future,” the minister said. He said the visit of British home secretary would give a new impetus to bilateral relations between UK and Pakistan. He said UK was amongst a few countries where Pakistan's viewpoint was largely understood and acknowledged.

“Pakistan wants legal and diplomatic solution of all hurdles in way of better relations between the two countries,” Nisar said. The minister said Pakistan would welcome every move to further promote bilateral ties between the two nations and strengthen implementation of law on equal grounds.

“Pakistan and Britain had long history of bilateral relations,” he said, adding that both sides had signed two agreements during the talks.  In her brief statement, Amber Rudd said she had very constructive discussions with Chaudhry Nisar. "We want to continue our partnership and increase cooperation within diverse fields with Pakistan,” she maintained.

She said two percent population of the country had its roots in Pakistan, adding that there were significant opportunities for mutual economic growth as Pakistan was growing. Expressing her commitment to closely working with Pakistan, she said she looked forward to increasing mutual understanding between the two countries.

The home secretary noted that there was increased security for people of Pakistan and the UK because of efforts made by the government of Pakistan and the interior minister played important role in improving security situation in Pakistan. “Both countries want to ensure that our borders remain secure for people who travel between the two countries. We also talked about security of new Islamabad airport,” she added.

She extended congratulations on Pakistan Day and 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Answering a question, she said issue of Altaf Hussain was being reviewed seriously while requests for justice sent by Pakistan were also being considered. "British laws have no exemption. I have assured the minister, action would be taken upon their requests of justice without any discrimination,” she said.

When asked about further promotion of bilateral ties, both Chaudhry Nisar and Amber Rudd said efforts were being made in this regard. The minister said more bilateral visits would be arranged specially for further promoting trade relations between the two countries. The minister said both countries will work together to resolve the common problems being faced by the two countries including security, counter-terrorism and immigration.