Police carrying out Dr Imran Farooq probe: British home secretary

ISLAMABAD: British home secretary Theresa May Tuesday said that London police was investigating the murder case of Dr Imran Farooq, the MQM leader who was assassinated in 2010 outside his house in London, and that she has nothing to do with the ongoing probe.

She was replying to a question during a joint press conference along with Pakistan Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan here at Punjab House after holding in-depth talks on various issues including terrorism, security, immigration, narcotics and organized crimes.

He thanked Britain for its cooperation with Pakistan in different fields and said that the Britain is a close ally and friend of Pakistan which respects sovereignty of Pakistan and plays a remarkable role in its socio-economic development. “Pakistan wants to enhance cooperation with the United Kingdom in various fields,” he added.

Nisar reiterated the serious commitment of the Nawaz government to work with all countries to control the menaces of terrorism, narcotics and serious crimes.

He said that Pakistan was facing serous crisis but hoped that it would like to see a transition with the Nato troops withdrawal from Afghanistan.

To a question, he said that Peshawar church attacks and killing of army officials were serious and condemnable incidents but the decision to hold talks endorsed by APC was made with a consensus and would be pursued.

Speaking on the occasion, British Home Secretary Theresa May condemned Peshawar Church attack and said that her country acknowledges the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the war on terror.

She also acknowledged Pakistan’s leading role in the war against terrorism and said her country will continue to work jointly with Pakistan to counter it. She said that Pakistan has been the most affected country from the terrorism and it can adopt any suitable strategy to counter terrorism.

Theresa May said her country will continue to extend cooperation to Pakistan for its socio-economic development. She congratulated Pakistan people for a smooth and peaceful transition of power from one democratic government to another.

Earlier Chaudhry Nisar and Theresa May signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly fight crimes.

In a joint statement issued on the occasion both countries reiterated commitment to joint working in tackling the shared threats faced by both countries. Theresa May recognised the important steps taken by the new government particularly of a national security strategy and new structures to coordinate military and civilian efforts. (Geo/APP)