Islamabad, Jan. 17 : Pakistan has said that it has incurred heavy financial loss during the last five years due to its participation in the ‘war on terrorism.’

The Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper-II prepared by the Pakistan Government states that the country has suffered losses worth Rs 2080 billion in the war on terror.

“These include direct losses of Rs 350 billion and indirect losses of Rs 1650 billion,” The Nation quoted the strategy paper, as stating.

Islamabad, Jan. 16 : Toughening his stance against the PPP regime in the country, Former Pakistan Prime Minister and Muslim League-N (PML-N) Chief Nawaz Sharif has said that there is no difference between the present `democratic' government in Pakistan and dictatorship.

"In a democracy Parliament is sovereign and the sword of Article 58(2)b does not dangle over it, judiciary is independent and the government does not bow before international pressures in matters involving national interest," The Dawn quoted Sharif, as saying.

Lahore/Islamabad, Jan. 17 : Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has asked India to respond positively to the crackdown being carried out by Pakistan on the terrorist outfits.

According to The Daily Times, Nawaz Sharif met with the Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Satyabrata Pal, and said that India should respond positively to steps being taken by Pakistan with regards to the Mumbai terror attacks.

Islamabad  - British Foreign Secretary David Miliband on Friday pressed Pakistan for rapid action against those behind the November 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.

"Action needs to go further and faster to prosecute those who are arrested by the government in connection with Mumbai attacks," he told reporters in Islamabad after his meetings with the Pakistani leadership.

Islamabad, Jan. 16 : British Foreign Secretary David Miliband called on Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani here on Friday.

According to a Geo News report, he also met Pakistan Muslim League (N) Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif here at the Punjab House.

His visit to the Pakistan capital comes a day after his completion of a two-day visit to India, where he said there is need for the Pakistani authorities to showcase urgency in taking action against those responsible for the Mumbai terror attacks.

Islamabad, Jan. 16 : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has written a new year greeting letter to his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh and told him that his government has formally informed India about the steps taken in response to the international community's demands in connection with Mumbai attacks.

According to The News, Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Salmna Bashir handed over the letter to Indian high commissioner Satyabrata Pal in a meeting.