ISLAMABAD: Pakistan regrets the US decision to not certify the “concerted and forceful measures” taken by Pakistan, despite its indiscriminate action against all terrorist groups, including the Haqqani Network.
Foreign Affairs Secretary, Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry, noted this on Thursday during his meeting with Special Assistant to the US president, Dr Peter Lavoy, who also serves as the senior director for South Asia at the US National Security Council, held here at the Foreign Office. Earlier this month, the US had held military reimbursements to Pakistan– worth USD 300 million– under the Coalition Support Fund, by claiming that the country had not yet taken sufficient action against the Haqqani network.
During his meeting, Aizaz also highlighted the successes of the Zarb-e-Azb security operation in Pakistan with regard to dismantling and eliminating the terrorists’ hideouts in FATA. The secretary also reiterated the resolve of the Pakistani leadership to not allow anyone to use Pakistan’s soil against any country. Dr Lavoy’s current visit is a part of the regular high-level exchanges between the US and Pakistan. The foreign secretary availed this opportunity to highlight the importance ascribed to the bilateral relationship at the highest political level in both countries, underscoring the crucial need to deepen a mutually beneficial collaboration in all fields. In his reference to certain recent developments straining the bilateral relationship, he also stressed that a continued engagement was important to resolve all differences of perception. The US envoy also noted that the US Administration did recognize the efforts and sacrifices made by the Pakistani nation and its armed forces in the fight against terrorism. He also appreciated Pakistan’s outreach to Afghanistan and its efforts, which were aimed to secure peace and stability in Afghanistan.
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