Isaf Commander Gen Joseph F. Dunford called on Chief of the Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif. PHOTO: NNI
ISLAMABAD:
The International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) commander in Kabul, Gen Joseph F Dunford, on Monday met with army chief Gen Raheel Sharif and reaffirmed the importance of the Pakistan-US security relationship for stability in the region.
The Isaf chief travelled to Islamabad for talks with Pakistan’s senior military leadership. This was the first visit by the top US military official since Gen Raheel took over as head of the country’s most powerful institution last month.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Gen Dunford arrived on a routine coordination visit. The two generals discussed matters of mutual interest with particular focus on Pakistan-Afghanistan Border coordination mechanism.
A separate statement issued by the US Embassy in Islamabad said Gen Dunford discussed security issues with the army chief and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Rashad Mahmood.
The visit comes at a sensitive time when the Obama administration is increasingly concerned over the blockade of main Nato supply route at Torkham border into Afghanistan by activists of Tehreek-e-Insaf and Jamaat-e-Islami as part of their anti-drone campaign.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 17th, 2013.
COMMENTS (8)
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@Faisal: A very good question, you should be asking your leadership? The generals usualy meet to coordinate and implement what the politicians have agreed, which in the case of Pakistan was the former military men Musharaf and Kyani.
Rex Minor
@Faisal:
Short memory? When Pakistan cut off NATO route for months it had no impact on USA policy or Afghan war - that's because pilfering and duplicitous policies reduced American trust levels to the point that they transferred the majority of their supplies through the more expensive Northern route. . The current level of supplies moving through Pakistan is nominal - significantly less than prior levels which weren't enough to even extract an apology let alone a change in policy. In short - you over estimate your leverage.
We committed to improving coordination and communication between our nations. These meetings allow our officials to meet and address our shared concerns in the region. We’ve made a lot of sacrifices for the betterment of the region, and it is simply imperative for us to build on our common sacrifices. The recent visit by PM Nawaz Sharif to the U.S. was another step forward in regards to maintaining a healthy working relationship and this visit by Gen. Joseph F. Dunford reaffirms the importance of Pakistan and U.S. ties. The reality is that we cannot have a safe and secure region without a safe and secure Pakistan. We look forward to working closely, and remain fully optimistic in regards to achieving our shared peace objectives in the region.
Ali Khan DET, United States Central Command
For instance drone stopes,IK will allow to NATO supply? After completion NATO forces, USA start drone,then whatt will be stopped by Mr Khan?
@Zulfiqar Baig:
No, unconditional support..........
Drone attacks MUST stop first.
Rest asure ISAF, soon we will restore NATO supply.We are waiting for the right time.
Simple and straight, ask America to stop drones and get the route open. I wish those who sold us out had asked for a better price. How much does NATO pay for using the route? We've destroyed our roads for free.