Pak, Afghanistan on top of British foreign policy priorities: Miliband

LONDON - British Foreign Secretary David Miliband has said that Pakistan and Afghanistan were on top of the list of his government’s foreign policy priorities.

Addressing the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, after the committee tabled its report “Global Security: Afghanistan and Pakistan, Miliband said issues concerning both Pakistan Afghanistan warranted widest possible engagement.

In its report, the committee has noted the British government’s determination to work with Islamabad to address some of the serious threats to global security and regional stability.

The report highlighted that London is working to build the capacity and capability of the Pakistan Army to help it continue its fight against extremists inside the country’s territory.

“As part of our wider programme of defence engagement, we are working to build the Pakistan Army’s capacity to conduct effective operations against extremists in its north-western border areas. We are also delivering a one-million pounds programme of capacity building to support the NWFP police,” The Daily Times quoted the report, as saying.

Commenting on the US drone strikes on the ungoverned tribal region in Pakistan, the report said that though the missile hits have inflicted serious damage to Al Qaeda and other extremist network and capabilities, they have damaged the US’ reputation among the Pakistani population. (ANI)