ISLAMABAD: British heavy Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott hailed the Pakistan Army’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism, saying they paid a heavy price to keep the country and the world secure.
The British envoy remarked in a Saturday interview with Geo News that Pakistan is on the frontlines of the war against terrorism and her country’s most important friend.
Marriott mourned the families of those who died fighting terrorism.
The ambassador expressed worry that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other terrorist groups, including the Haqqani Group, continued to operate in Afghanistan.
As 9/11 showed, they pose a global threat to Pakistan if their terrorist actions not stopped, she warned.
She noted that the Ukraine-Russia war was the most viewed on UK TV, but “we haven’t forgotten about Afghanistan.” The world is still focused on Afghanistan. Britain is trying to talk with the Taliban in Afghanistan.”
All parties talked to the Taliban in Doha. She said that we will continue to negotiate with the Taliban government over the humanitarian situation in half of Afghanistan, particularly the absence of rights for children and women.
“The Taliban attacked Afghan security forces and people, worsening the security situation, so we are told that the security situation in Afghanistan has improved with their arrival. However, under the Taliban, heroin cultivation, which was ruining young lives worldwide, has dropped dramatically. Their efforts deserve recognition.”
Ukraine conflict
Marriott further claimed that Pakistani construction companies might help rebuild Ukraine and would be completely encouraged.
“There are many skilled workers in Pakistan who can rebuild Ukraine. Russia invaded Ukraine 1.5 years ago. Everyone has seen the awful photos of Russia bombing Ukraine and mistreating POWs. Russia assaulted its small neighbour and is evil. The West will support Ukraine’s independence. Ukraine never considered striking Russia. The war began when Russia invaded Ukraine, she said.
Climate Change
Marriott also stated that climate change cannot be ignored.
The floods show Pakistan’s precarious climate change stance. Britain saw the industrial revolution, therefore it must engage with the globe to mitigate climate change. Climate change requires global funding. The UK will fully support Pakistan in international climate financing through private investors, she said.
The ambassador said Pakistan-Great Britain trade was 4.4 billion pounds (Rs1,672 billion), which was enormous.
Marriott continued, “Pakistan and the UK understand each other’s needs, which makes us good trading partners.”
