British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has held talks with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in Islamabad, according to an official statement. Pakistan is determined to take all possible measures to counter terrorism and defeat extremist ideologies, Qureshi said. The British Home Secretary is on a goodwill visit to Pakistan. Qureshi welcomed her first visit to Pakistan. He said score of Pakistani citizens, including soldiers, have lost their lives as victims of terrorism. Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto became herself a victim of terrorism. The two leaders discussed the ongoing bilateral cooperation in diverse fields including political, economic, and security matters. The British Home Secretary stated that the purpose of her visit was to establish contact with the new government in Pakistan and reaffirm Britain's continued support towards Pakistan's socio-economic development and the fight against terrorism. She conveyed her government's appreciation on Pakistan's role in the counter-terrorism efforts of the international community. The Foreign Minister thanked the Government of Britain for their continued economic support and sought their assistance in the uplift of socio-economic conditions in tribal areas to prevent the youth from falling prey to the radicals enticements.
