PM was harsh on my country says Pakistani community leader
A leader of Northampton's Pakistani community has criticised David Cameron over remarks he made on his recent visit to Pakistan.
The Prime Minister sparked anger in Islamabad this week when he made critical remarks about Pakistan's record on terrorism.
Yesterday he defended himself, insisting he had a duty to say what he thought.
Mr Cameron said: "I think it's important to speak frankly and clearly about these issues.
"I have always done that in the past and will do so in the future."
His remarks have also come under fire in Northampton.
Nazir Naji, the president of the Northampton Pakistan Welfare Association, said: "We are living in a multi-cultural society and everyone is entitled to their opinion.
"But Pakistan has done a lot to help fight terrorism and has helped both Great Britain and the USA, and we have always upheld our British values, so it was disappointing to hear what he said.
"He could have been more balanced towards Pakistan.
"We don't condone those who commit terrorism and they are bringing a bad name to the country, but they are only a small fraction of people.
"Most Pakistani people are law-abiding citizens.
"I think it was quite a shocking message to give out when the country is trying its best against the war on terror."
Pakistan's High Commissioner to Britain, Wajid Shamsul Hasan, said people in Pakistan were "really hurt" by Mr Cameron's remarks about terrorism and called on him to "make amends".
He also suggested that the Prime Minister had made a mistake because he was inexperienced.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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