Shahbaz Sharif meets with National Security Advisor of UK Sir Mark Lyall-Grant in London

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif met with National Security Advisor of UK Sir Mark Lyall-Grant in London, today.

Member National Assembly & former Minister of State Khusro Bakhtiar, Pakistani High Commissioner in Britain Syed Ibn-e-Abbas and Additional IG Counter Terrorism Department Tahir Rai were also present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister said that terrorism is a joint problem of the world and we all have to cope with it. He said that Pakistan condemns terrorism of all kinds. Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan is facing terrorism for a long time, therefore, we are shocked and grieved over the loss of precious lives due to terrorism all over the world including France.

The Chief Minister said that indiscriminate action is being taken against terrorists under Zarb-e-Azab. However, some other social steps are needed for resolving this serious issue, he added. He said that Pakistan wants peaceful solution of all problems including Kashmir issue with India through dialogues. He said Pakistan expects that UK will play its role for improving the situation in the region and bringing peace in Afghanistan.

National Security Advisor of UK Sir Mark Lyall-Grant said on the occasion that British government highly values the steps taken for elimination of terrorism in Punjab and assured that Britain will continue its full cooperation to Punjab government in this regard.

Meanwhile; Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif met Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe in London today.

Matters regarding elimination of terrorism and heinous crime besides city policing were discussed in the meeting.

Speaking on the occasion, Shahbaz Sharif said that Punjab government is making all out efforts for the protection of citizens and wants to benefit from the experiences of developed countries in controlling crime and terrorist activities.

He said that besides setting up a special force for coping with the menace of terrorism, new legislation has also been carried out while old laws have been amended. He said that in the existing international scenario, no country can deal with the scourge of terrorism alone. He said that incident of terrorism anywhere, is the problem of every individual of the world.

The Chief Minister said that in order to root out terrorism, it is necessary to deal with its causes. Therefore, he said, Punjab government is taking special measures for promotion of education and provision of basic amenities in far-flung and backward areas of the province.

He said that Pak army and citizens have rendered historic sacrifices in the war against terrorism. Additional IG Counter Terrorism Department was also present on the occasion.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said that all out cooperation will be extended to Punjab government for curbing terrorism and crime. He said that Punjab government should fully benefit from the experiences of Metropolitan Police in the use of modern technology against terrorism and crime.