No threat to Pak democratic set-up: Miliband

ISLAMABAD - British Foreign Secretary David Miliband has said that there is no threat to the democratic set up of Pakistan, as Islamabad has the full backing of the international community in preserving the democracy.

The News quoted Miliband, as saying that a democratic set-up is the best option for Pakistan and the current government has proved this during the last two years.

Addressing the joint news conference with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi here on Saturday, Miliband said that a democratic government would ensure that all friends would support Pakistan.

Responding to a query regarding promises the world community had made to Pakistan but nothing substantial has been done, Miliband assured that Britain would keep its promise.

“As far as fiscal cooperation is concerned, Britain has given 665 million pounds as development aid to be used over four years and we understand that Pakistan wants to build on trade not aid. We talk truthfully and turn our words into deeds,” he said.

He said the main objective of his Islamabad visit was to take Pakistan into confidence about the London Conference on Afghanistan on January 28.

“Over 60 countries will participate in the London Conference on Afghanistan on January 28. Pakistan is a vital partner for the future of Afghanistan. Stability, security and prosperity in Afghanistan depends on the same values in Pakistan,” he said.

The issue of denial of visas by Britain to Pakistani students was also raised during the conference.

Replying to a question that Pakistani students were being kept in the British custody without any charges being proved, Miliband said that this did not damage Britain’s image.

“The important thing is that the judicial process is according to the law and not image. Legal process takes time. It is good that there are 10,000 students studying in Britian,” Miliband said. (ANI)