Afghan, UK to remove extremism in tribal Pak

London, Oct 16: British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said that the UK and Pakistan shared concern over the threat posed by violent extremism, and that his government was working with Afghanistan to remove the operating space for extremists in the tribal belt along its international border with Pakistan.

The Prime Minister recalled his last meeting with Pakistan President Asif Zardari on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session where both had agreed that extremism was emanating from the Pak-Afghan border region.

"This problem has an impact on the UK forces in Afghanistan as well as the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan," the Daily Times quoted Brown as saying.

The British prime minister pointed out he had not discussed cross-border raids with Zardari. "The question of US military's incursions in Pakistani territory is a matter for the US and the Pakistani governments," he said.

The prime minister said this comprehensive approach could also include reconciliation with those who were willing to participate in politics in a non-violent manner. "President Zardari and I agreed on September 16 that it was for the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan to lead the efforts to combat this extremism with the support of international community," Brown said.

He further said the UK was working to strengthen the democratic institutions in Pakistan, and also noted UK's role in developing the 'Friends of Pakistan' group, designed to stimulate international support for the new government and Pakistan's long-term development, to help Pakistan tackle serious development, security and economic problems it faces.

ANI