Security in Pakistan helps keep streets of UK safe, claims Duke
THE DUKE of Cambridge has stressed the importance of security in Pakistan in keeping people safe on “the streets of the UK”.
William and Kate had yesterday’s itinerary rearranged after a flight from Lahore to Islamabad on Thursday had to turn back due to a “pretty serious storm”.
The couple were able to visit an army canine centre as previously scheduled on the last day of their five-day tour, which was due to focus on security.
But they missed flying over the Khyber Pass – on the border with Afghanistan – because of the overnight stay in Lahore.
William told reporters at the centre that learning about security in the region had emphasised the importance of the relationship between the two nations.
“A lot of effort, a lot of lives being lost by the Pakistanis in securing large parts of this country over the years and those sacrifices for the Pakistanis should be acknowledged,” he said. The duke continued: “I think it’s really important that everyone back home in the UK realises that we have a farranging, far-reaching projection of what we’re doing and we’re involved with the Pakistanis for a very good reason.
“What happens in Pakistan directly correlates to what happens back in the UK.”
Three of the attackers in the 7/7 bombings in London in 2005 – targeting commuters on public transport – were of Pakistani descent.
William and Kate walked two golden Labrador puppies, called Sky and Salto, which are being trained as search dogs.
British troops are supporting the Pakistan Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) programme, which in part breeds and trains dogs to identify explosive devices.