Pakistan wants to build friendly relations with India and Afghanistan, and has sought international support for democratic institutions in the country.

"We want to build strong and friendly relations with both our neighbours, India and Afghanistan," said Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi

High Commissioner Hasan said that Pakistan was passing through a difficult phase.

"In the first two to three months after the PPP-led government came to power things were better. But subsequently things relapsed," he said.

"All that I ask other countries is to support democracy and democratic institutions in Pakistan," Qureshi said.

A spurt in terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, including the Indian embassy bombing in Kabul on July 7, has led to increasing sharp attacks.

"The government has launched a multi-pronged strategy to deal with terrorists," Qureshi said.


He also expressed confidence that the government would win the battle "because we are on a moral high ground."