Zardari, Gilani discuss terrorism, visa policy with British officials

President Asif Ali ZardariAsif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Monday, in separate meetings, urged Britain to help Pakistan expand its counter-terrorism capacity in addition to helping resolve problems being faced by Pakistanis seeking British visas. During a meeting with British Home Secretary Alan JohnsonAlan Johnson and Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth, Zardari called for Britain’s help in strengthening Pakistan’s counter-terrorism capacity through provision of equipment and training. He also told the British authorities a large number of students accepted to UK academic institutions were being denied a quality education due to the slow processing of their visas. Separately, Gilani requested greater intelligence sharing between the UK and Pakistan to strengthen cooperation against terrorism. He also urged for more defence cooperation, especially in the training and capacity building of the Pakistan armed forces. The British secretaries assured the premier Britain would examine Pakistan’s request for aid in capacity building of the armed forces. sajjad malik Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk