Pakistan High Commission London has taken exception to some remarks carried in the British media giving an erroneous impression on Pak-UK co-operation in the war against terror and categorically said both the countries were together to fight against terrorism.
The High Commission in its letters to the editors of three leading British dailies drew their attention towards the factual position while clearly stating Pakistan's viewpoint on the issue and giving its background perspective.
In a letter carried by British daily Financial Time (FT) under the heading "Pakistan and UK are of one mind in the fight against global terrorism," the High Commission's letter said it was "surprised to see the front page story "Pakistan rejects terror link" (July 26) suggesting that there were differences between Britain and Pakistan in the war against terror."
"This is absolutely off the mark. Our two countries are together in the fight against terrorism, as recently reiterated by President Pervez Musharraf and Tony Blair, the UK Prime Minister. Our bilateral co-operation, including intelligence sharing, is ongoing and further reinforced by the London bombings," it said.
Continuing it said "On such sensitive issues, it is important to avoid stories based on speculation. We sincerely hope that your esteemed newspaper will exercise the utmost care in future."
In another letter to daily "The Guardian" the High Commission made it clear "Pakistan had not joined the fight against terrorism under any external pressure.
The paper which carried its letter under the caption "Pakistan's terrorism fight" while referring to a report carried by the said daily, said "Your report, Musharraf's terrorist claims are dismissed (July 27), totally ignores the context of Pakistan's commitment against terrorism."
"Itself a victim of terrorism, it is in Pakistan's own strategic interests to eliminate this menace. Our commitment is reflected by our record, which is matched by none. We have committed our military and security resources to apprehend more than 700 al Qaida operatives. We are also taking actions to ensure that the maddrassaha network is not used for promoting extremism."
It said "The president enjoys the support of the overwhelming majority of Pakistanis, as-well as all the instruments of the government, including the army and the intelligence agencies, in this fight."
Giving the background the letter said, "The threats of terrorism are a blow back from the long Afghan war. Accumulated over two decades, as compared with developments in the post-cold-war period around the world, no one should expect that these challenges can be addressed overnight."
"We are in for a long haul. The international community will require drawing together, with patience, determination and perseverance. Pakistan, which is a front line state in the war against terror, needs the full support of the international community," said the letter.
Another leading British daily The Telegraph published Pakistan High Commission's letter "Pakistan is not in the fight against terrorism under any pressure, as Con Coughlin suggests (Opinion, July 17). Itself a victim of terrorism for years, it is in Pakistan's own strategic interests to extirpate this menace. This is our war too and we are fighting it first and foremost in our own interest."
The country' s record in the fight against terrorism speaks for itself, said the letter.
"The entire international community is fully behind our efforts and appreciative of the results achieved. More than 700 al Qaeda operatives have been arrested by Pakistan and there is no slacking in our efforts."
"It is important to understand that extremism and terrorism are our common enemies and we will have to fight them collectively. Neither Pakistan nor Britain can address these issues alone. It is time to reinforce our mutual commitment against terrorism and work more closely with each other, rather than engage in recrimination."
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