President discusses ties with leader of Liberal Democrats

LONDON: President Asif Ali Zardari said on Thursday that Britons of Pakistani origin can play a great role in ridding their strife-ridden motherland of the scourge of terrorism, poverty, illiteracy and conservatism by realising their potential and the influence they yield.

The president, who is on a three-day visit to the United Kingdom, said this while talking to leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg who called on him here yesterday to discuss the issues of terrorism, war on terror and the active role British Pakistanis are playing in the mainstream British politics.

Liberal Democrats, the third largest party in British house of parliament with 63 MPs and 76 Lords including dozens of councillors of Pakistani origin, plan to field many Pakistani origin candidates in the coming general elections on winnable seats.

The president appreciated that with greater representation, over 1 million Pakistanis of British origin can become an effective voice in the domestic affairs of the UK, thus influencing the policies towards Pakistan.

The president said that Pakistan and the UK have historically enjoyed good relations and they are together in the fight against terrorism and tackling poverty, which is the root cause of all the problems.

Speaking to The News, the leader said that discussions with President Zardari were held on the important role Pakistan plays in foreign policy, the upcoming British general election and the contribution the Pakistani community makes in the UK.

Nick Clegg said it was also important because in many councils where Liberal Democrats run the local governments Britons of Pakistani origin are playing a vibrant role and it was a pleasure for him to tell the president of what a great contribution the people were making to Britain.

“The president and I spent time discussing how Pakistanis can continue to fully integrate in the UK and starve any extremist views that might take hold. It is vital that we support Pakistan in the fight against terrorism and the Taliban and continue to provide assistance to the refugees in the Swat Valley.” He further said that it was important to continue making bridges between the two countries.