Pakistan, India shouldn't let non-state actors derail peace: UK

Islamabad, Mar 8: British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond on Tuesday urged Pakistan and India to not allow non-state actors and other pressure groups to derail the peace process.

"I urge both Pakistan and India not to allow non-state actors and other pressure groups to derail the peace process. Settling the Kashmir issue should not be a precondition for starting the dialogue process," Hammond was quoted by Express News as saying during a joint press conference with Sartaj Aziz in Islamabad.

The British foreign secretary advised Pakistan to speed up the investigation into January 2 terror assault on India's Pathankot airbase in northern Punjab state which India has blamed on Pakistan-based militant groups.

"I welcome Pakistan commitment to vigorously pursue Pathankot attack investigations and we hope that the country will make progress in the investigation," he said.

Hammond also lauded Islamabad's role in the fight against terrorism and said Britain will continue its support to Pakistan in war on terror.

"I salute Pakistan's efforts in the fight against terrorism. Pakistan is the victim of terrorism and we want to work with Pakistan to take on the threats it faces. British and Pakistan will remain partner against terrorism," Hammond added.

IANS