London/Islamabad - Interior Minister Ch Nisar Ali Khan yesterday demanded the UK provide access to Altaf Hussain for trial in connection the murder of Dr Imran Farooq and his violence-provoking remarks against Pakistan.

The Interior Minster raised the demand with British Home Secretary Amber Rudd during a meeting in London. “Pakistani government should be given access to Altaf Hussain, Muhammad Anvar and others to take action against them according to the law of the land,” Nisar was cited by INP news agency.

He told the Amber Rudd that Altaf was behind the murder of Dr Imran Farooq and provoking MQM workers to unleash attack on the media in Karachi in August.

According to a statement issued by the Interior Ministry, the Pakistani minister apprised his UK counterpart of the new cyber crime legislation and hoped that the draft would address the issue of cyber terrorism.

The duo discussed a host of issues including cooperation in counterterrorism, illegal immigration, organised crimes, narcotics control and money-laundering.  Nisar said the new cyber law would also help the state agencies limit hate material on the internet and address the issue of cyber terrorism. The minister observed that the British government's technical support would be useful for Pakistan.

Rudd, while condemning the recent terrorist incidents in Pakistan, expressed her condolences over the loss of precious lives. The British home secretary underscored the need for regular exchange of views on security cooperation and other areas. She said she looked forward to visiting Pakistan to cement bilateral ties.

Nisar said that such high-level visits will strengthen bilateral relations and enhancing mutual cooperation.  He pointed out that resilience of Pakistani people and continued efforts of its law enforcement agencies significantly helped the state establish its writ and improve law and order and peace in the country. 

He said the government is committed to denying space to any desperate elements who target innocent citizens and disturb the peace of the country. The two sides also reviewed progress on various agreed areas of cooperation including security, counter-terrorism, capacity building of law enforcement agencies of Pakistan besides strengthening Joint Intelligence Directorate by sharing of expertise and knowledge.

On the issue of organised crimes, the minister said that Pakistan looked towards the UK for greater cooperation in dealing with organised crimes and fighting the menace of human and drug trafficking.

The interior minister also recounted successes Pakistan has achieved in dealing with the human traffickers. Rudd welcomed continued cooperation between the two countries in the areas of counterterrorism, organised crime, illegal immigration, human trafficking and anti-narcotics.  Nisar is on a three-day visit to London where he is holding meetings with the British leadership.