War on Terrorism: Pakistan-UK Pledge for Close Cooperation            
By Maria A Khan 'Pakistan Times' Diplomatic Correspondent

ISLAMABAD: President General Pervez Musharraf has said that Pakistan and the United Kingdom were cooperating closely in the global war against terrorism and hoped that the multifaceted relations between the two countries would gain further strength in the coming years.

He made these remarks at a banquet, he hosted in the honour of Britain's Prince Charles and his Wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

The banquet was attended by Prime Minster Shaukat Aziz, Speaker National Assembly, Chief Justice of Pakistan, federal ministers, Services chiefs, diplomats, businessmen and elite of the city.

Expressing firm resolve to combat terrorism and extremism, the President said that Pakistan had been in the vanguard of global war against the twin menaces. Pakistan's resolve to eliminate terrorism and extremism has been appreciated world wide, he added.

He, however, renewed his call for the international community to address the underlying causes of terrorism, rooted in the sense of deprivation and unresolved political disputes.

President Musharraf appreciated the efforts of the Prince of Wales for the inter-faith harmony and his interest in promoting Islamic history, heritage and culture.

He said both Pakistan and the UK have been friends and partners in promoting peace and prosperity and hoped that the cordial ties between the two countries would be further cemented in coming years.

The President described the Pakistani community in the UK as another strong bond between the two countries.

He thanked Prince Charles for the quick response and support in the aftermath of the devastating October 8 earthquake.

Talking about peace and stability in South Asia, the President said Pakistan has been endevouring to establish durable peace in the region and making efforts to resolve all outstanding disputes with India, including Kashmir.

Prince Charles highly appreciated the statesmanship and resolve of the President to resolve outstanding issues with India and said that his country fully supports these initiatives by him and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The Prince said he and his wife were very happy to be in Pakistan and were touched by the hospitality extended to him by the President and the Prime Minister.

Prince Charles, who also visited quake-hit areas in Azad Kashmir early in the day, said that he was very impressed by the hope and resolve shown by the people against the calamity of such a magnitude.

He also praised the armed forces of Pakistan for their great job done in the rescue phase and later in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the people in the quake-ravaged areas.

Charles, Camilla visit Lahore

Prince Charles on Thursday arrived in Lahore along with his wife, Camilla to promote interfaith harmony.

Charles, traveling with his wife, Camilla visited mausoleum of great poet of the East Allama Iqbal, historic Badshahi Masjid and other sites.

Governor and chief minister of Punjab and other officials received the royal couple at Allama Iqbal Airport, Lahore.

The royal couple also visited a Sikh temple and Christian cathedral during his trip to Lahore, capital of eastern Pakistan's Punjab province.

Pak-UK Strategic Dialogue

'Pakistan Times' Executive Editor/UK Bureau Chief Raza Mumtaz adds from London; The second round of Pakistan-UK Strategic Dialogue held here on Tuesday discussed a wide-range of issues including non-proliferation, combating terrorism, counter-narcotics, transnational organized crime, and cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

The members of the respective delegations also covered regional issues including Afghanistan and South Asia, officials said.

Tariq Osman Hyder, Additional Secretary (UN&EC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led an inter-departmental
delegation from Pakistan while the British side was headed by David Richmond, Director General Defence and Intelligence, Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The first round of the Strategic Dialogue was held in October last year in Islamabad following the agreement reached between President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2004 to further deepen and broaden the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Hyder also called on Sir Peter Ricketts, Permanent Under Secretary of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Sir Peter stated that Pakistan was central to Britain's foreign policy and Britain attached great importance to building strong and forward-looking relations with Pakistan.●