Pakistan accused of “terrorism exports”

A diplomatic scandal has recently emerged between London and Islamabad resulting from the latest statements by the British Prime Minister David Cameron. In the course of his visit to India, the Premier called Pakistan an exporter of terrorism.

In his first public address in Bangalore right after the arrival in India, the British PM said that Pakistan must not be allowed to “promote the export of terror”. Mr. Cameron added that the republic’s alleged involvement in terrorist attacks of 2008 in Mumbai and the presence of Taliban members in Pakistan trigger acute concern of the West, in particular, the US and Great Britain. This is the first time that the British Prime Minister has voiced sharp criticism of Pakistan. In response, the country’s High Commissioner to the UK Wajid Shamsul Hasan said David Cameron “damaged the prospects of regional peace” and criticized him for believing reports released by WikiLeaks.  

Some Pakistani experts have already pointed out that tensions between London and Islamabad may be indicative of David Cameron’s lack of relevant international experience. We can also suggest that the British Premier intentionally made those statements accusing Pakistan of its collusion with Taliban terrorists. There could be several reasons for this.  

First, as UK special services believe, the terrorist threat to the country comes for the most part from British nationals with Pakistani origins. This fact is reported to be of greatest concern for all residents of the United Kingdom.

Second, London has once again demonstrated its loyalty to Washington which repeatedly stated that Islamabad connives at the Taliban in Afghanistan and Al-Qaeda.

Third, it was no coincidence that Cameron chose India as a place to voice his accusations against Pakistan, since the two countries are far from being good friends. Apparently, developing and strengthening ties with Delhi is of more importance for London, than with Islamabad. The Prime Minister has been talking about this throughout his entire visit to India.

Judging by Mr. Cameron’s statements, Great Britain has completely given up its imperial ambitions towards its former colony and is prepared for building equal and mutually beneficial relations. As for the future London-Islamabad contacts, they will be outlined during the upcoming visit of Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari to Britain.