Britain's PM 'looking forward' to Pakistan visit

British Prime Minister Theresa May has said she is looking forward to visiting Pakistan in the first half of 2017.

She said this as she walked into a meeting between Pakistan Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, who arrived in London on three-day visit on Sunday evening, and the United Kingdom's National Security Adviser (NSA) Sir Mark Lyall Grant, reports the Dawn.

May also conveyed good wishes to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the people of Pakistan, according to a message received from London.

While meeting Prime Minister May, Nisar also expressed hope that relations between the two countries would improve under her leadership.

He anticipated that Britain and Pakistan could enhance cooperation at all levels after her visit next year.

The Interior Minister said her visit would be timely considering the regional political situation in South Asia and would help open up new channels of multi-lateral cooperation and coordination.

During his conversation with Sir Mark, Nisar alleged that neighbour and arch rival India's aggressive diplomatic stance is detrimental for the peace and security of the region.

Nisar also stressed that Pakistan and its security institutions are determined to wipe out terrorism from its soil.

On the issue of peace in Afghanistan, he said, "A peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan".