Pakistan Fully Committed In Fight Against Drug Trafficking, Terrorism

'Pakistan fully committed in fight against drug trafficking, terrorism'
US delegation calls on interior minister

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=29072

By Our correspondent
10/20/2006

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is fully committed in fighting the menace of drug trafficking and war against terrorism and it attaches great importance to relationship with the United States.

This was stated by Federal Minister for Interior Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao while talking to a US delegation headed by Director Air Wing (US) Mrs Sharon O'Nell, who called on him in the Ministry of Interior here Friday.

Secretary Ministry of Interior Syed Kamal Shah and Deputy Director Air Wing Paul Osullivan were also present in the meeting. The minister said the government and the people of Pakistan are grateful for the relief assistance provided by the US government in the wake of last year's devastating earthquake in Pakistan.

The prompt rescue and relief efforts by the US contingent were a great help for the disaster stricken people of Pakistan. He said to ensure dedicated aviation support for anti-narcotics operation, an inter-agencies task force headed by secretary interior was constituted in March 2006. As a result of the first meeting of this task force, a comprehensive SOP was issued to provide air assets for anti-narcotics operations.

Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao said Pakistan has come a long way in fighting the menace of terrorism. Even before 9/11, Pakistan remained victim of terrorism in one form or the other. He said Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestation and it must not be equated with any faith or religion.

He said Pakistan has a very safe, secure and conducive environment for foreign investment and lot of foreign investors and leading companies are coming to invest in Pakistan. He said the present government of President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has put the country on the path to progress and prosperity.

The head of the US delegation, Mrs Sharon O'Nell appreciated the policies of the Government of Pakistan, especially Pakistan's role in war against terrorism. She said the relationship between the two countries would further grow in future.