Pak has failed to tackle terror: UK high commissioner

Pakistan has not yet been able to control terrorism, though it was trying to do so, British high commissioner to India, Richard Stagg said on Wednesday.

"The repeated incidents of terrorist attack show that Pakistan has not yet got the problem under control. The Pakistan Government is genuinely trying to do it, but have not succeeded," he told reporters when asked whether Islamabad had failed to tackle terrorism on its soil.

Speaking about Tuesday's attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, he said, "It was a very very sad day for cricket. It was an appalling attack. Fortunately, there was not much casualty. Pakistan should ensure that the perpetrators of the attack are brought to book at the earliest."

Asked if it would have any impact on the future of cricket, he replied, "I can't forecast anything. But of course, the incident will create more anxiety among cricketers as well as other visitors to visit the country."

Stating that Pakistan should do all it could to ensure safety to visitors, Stagg said, "We believe that terrorism is a serious threat that defies all borders. There should be cross-border collaboration to deal with terrorism effectively."

Asked whether the response from Islamabad to act against terror particularly after the Mumbai terror attacks, was unsatisfactory, Stagg said, "I cannot compare the response."

"We feel that all countries which face the threat of terrorism should identify tackling terror as an important area of policy. We should deal with it priority-wise."