Australian foreign minister in Islamabad, as Taliban gains strength
Updated
The Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith has met Pakistani military commanders in the volatile border region with Afghanistan.
Mr Smith flew to the north western city of Peshawar and the Khyber Pass before holding talks with his Pakistani counterpart, Mahmood Qureshi. The visit coincided with the signing of a deal between the Taliban and the Pakistani government to introduce Sharia law in the Swat Valley.
Presenter: Sally Sara
Speaker: Stephen Smith, Foreign Minister; Mahmood Qureshi, Pakistani Foreign Minister; Sheikh Rashed Ahmed, Awami Muslim League
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(Sound of helicopter)
SALLY SARA: Stephen Smith flew by helicopter to the frontline of Pakistan's war against extremism.
From the air he could see the deeply furrowed mountains and remote villages of north-western Pakistan.
What happens here will decide who wins the so-called war against terrorism.
Despite the heavy security, the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan leaks with weapons, ammunition and extremists.
STEPHEN SMITH: Extremism and terrorism in this region is not just a question of a threat to other nations; it's also a threat to Pakistan and in that respect Australia stands shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan as it deals with a very difficult challenge.
SALLY SARA: It's a battle which has been fought and lost before.
Mr Smith visited the historic Khyber Rifles Regiment.
(Sound of music)
SALLY SARA: Tribesmen in red and white costumes twirled and danced with swords to welcome the Minister.
These Pakistani soldiers are trying to hang on to territory which has been fought over since the time of Alexander the Great.
Former information minister and president of Pakistan's Awami Muslim League Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed says the troops are being forced to take aim at militants from their own nation
RASHEED AHMED: It's a big, big pressure on Pakistan army that they are killing their own people and these people are killing their own army. We are becoming a sandwich from India and Afghanistan.
SALLY SARA: Pakistani Foreign Minister, Mahmood Qureshi says the long-term solution is stability. He's calling on Australia to invest in and engage with Pakistan.
MAHMOOD QURESHI: And we can obtain economic stability in Pakistan only if politically and economically stable Pakistan can be focused on extremism and terrorism.
SALLY SARA: The Australian Government has announced increases in financial, educational and military support to Pakistan. But the Pakistani Government is still left with difficult choices about its future.
Yesterday, it signed a deal with pro-Taliban leaders in the Swat Valley, to allow the introduction of Sharia law. It's hoped the agreement will bring peace in the district - but at what cost?
STEPHEN SMITH: In the past we have seen on at least one occasion a similar agreement entered into which hasn't seen a positive outcome. We hope on this occasion, it is a positive outcome.
SALLY SARA: It's 11 years since the last visit by an Australian foreign minister.
Sheikh Rashed Ahmed from the Awami Muslim League says Australia needs to get serious if it wants to improve bilateral ties.
RASHEED AHMED: They have to make more visits and understand more. And if you are coming 11 years, that is not a good sign. At least you have to come after 11 months, instead of 11 year.
