Pakistan is disappointed on England’s abandoned tour, Qureshi tells Secretary Truss
Pakistan and the United Kingdom are on the same page for a “coordinated approach” to the prevailing situation in Afghanistan, according to a statement issued by the British government on Tuesday.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi – who is in London on a three-day official visit – met British foreign secretary Liz Truss and discussed various issues including the current situation in Afghanistan.
FM Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Liz Truss “discussed the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, and the need for the international community to work together to ensure a coordinated approach,” the statement said. “They reaffirmed their commitment to preventing Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terror and providing vital humanitarian assistance for ordinary Afghans.”
The two ministers also spoke about their commitment to strengthen bilateral ties between UK and Pakistan, including deepening economic links.
Pakistan disappointed on England’s abandoned tour
During the meeting, Shah Mahmood Qureshi also conveyed Pakistan’s disappointment at the decision of the English Cricket Board to cancel the Pakistan tour.
“This had not only caused financial loss to Pakistan Cricket Board but also deeply disappointed millions of cricket fans,” the foreign minister told Secretary Truss.
England’s men and women cricket teams were scheduled to visit Pakistan in mid-October. The men’s team was due to play two T20I, whereas the women’s team was scheduled to play two T20Is and three ODIs. But the England Cricket Board called off the tour, citing security reasons, days after the New Zealand cricket team abandoned its tour of Pakistan.
Qureshi lauded recent debate on IIOJK situation in the British House of Commons
The foreign minister appreciated the recent debate in the British House of Commons on the human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir. He briefed Secretary Truss of human rights violations by the Indian forces in IIOJK.
Qureshi hoped Britain would play its due role in this regard. He also shared a dossier containing over 3000 documented evidence of war crimes carried out by the Indian occupation forces in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.
Qureshi invited Truss to visit Pakistan
Qureshi also extended Secretary Truss an invitation to visit Pakistan with regard to the 5th review session of the Pakistan-UK Enhanced Strategic Dialogue. Truss accepted the invite, according to a statement issued by the Ministry Of Foreign Affairs.
This was the second time in a month the two sides have met at the Foreign Ministers’ level.