Govt committed to deny space to those targeting citizens: Nisar

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ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Monday said that the present government was fully committed to deny space to any desperate elements who target innocent citizens and disturb the peace of the country.

The minister, who is on a three-day visit to London, was talking to British Home Secretary Ms Amber Rudd.

The two leaders discussed issues ranging from cooperation in counter-terrorism, illegal immigration, organized crimes, narcotics control, money laundering, and other issues of mutual interest, a message received here on Monday from the United Kingdom said.

Chaudhry Nisar pointed out that resilience of Pakistani people and continued efforts of its law enforcement agencies had significantly helped the state to establish its writ and improve law and order, and peace in the country.

During the meeting, the minister also apprised his counterpart about new cyber crime legislation which would help the government in controlling cyber crimes.

He said the new cyber law would also help the state agencies in limiting hate material on the internet and address the issue of cyber terrorism.

The minister observed that the British government’s technical support would be quite useful for Pakistani institutions dealing with cyber terrorism.

The British Home Secretary while condemning recent terrorist incidents in Pakistan, expressed her condolences over the loss of precious lives as a result of terrorists activities.

During the course of discussion, the British Home Secretary Ms Amber Rudd underscored the importance of regular exchange of views on security cooperation and other areas.

She said she looked forward to visiting Pakistan to further enhance multifaceted cooperation existing between the two countries.

Recalling his excellent working relationship with her predecessor Ms Theresa May, the then British Home Secretary and now the Prime Minister of United Kingdom, the Interior Minister observed that momentum created by Ms May should be carried forward to forge stronger ties and mutually beneficial partnership in all fields.

He said such high level visits served as value addition to the efforts aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing mutual cooperation.

The two sides also reviewed progress on various agreed areas of cooperation including security, counter-terrorism, capacity building of law enforcement agencies of Pakistan, besides strengthening of Joint Intelligence Directorate by sharing of expertise and knowledge.

Over the issue the organized crimes, the minister said Pakistan looked towards the UK for greater cooperation in dealing with organized crimes and fighting the menace of human and drug trafficking.

The minister also recounted successes Pakistan has achieved in dealing with the human traffickers.

He informed his counterpart that thousands of human traffickers and fake travel agents and phony rackets were busted during countrywide campaign against this crime.

Ms Rudd welcomed continued cooperation between the two countries in the areas of counter-terrorism, organized crime, illegal immigration, human trafficking and anti-narcotics.