Defence secretary heads to US for coalition talks

Pakistan wants programme extended, enhanced to cover Operation Zarb-e-Azb

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will seek an extension and enhancement in the US Coalition Support Fund (CSF) when senior defence officials from the two countries meet in Washington this week.

A high-level Pakistani delegation headed by Defence Secretary Lt General (retd) Muhammad Alam Khattak left for the US on Sunday to attend the 24th Meeting of Defence Consultative Group, read a statement issued by the defence ministry.



In Washington, he will hold talks with a delegation led by US Undersecretary of State for Defence Christine Wormuth.

According to the defence ministry, Khattak is expected to discuss bilateral matters and issues of importance between Pakistan and the US.

Further, it said, Pakistan will stress for a way forward on the CSF, continuation of its reimbursement and an enhancement.

Pakistan not only wants the programme to be extended, but also wants to broaden its scope by including its military efforts against militants. The army had in June 2014 launched a massive operation in the tribal areas, codenamed Operation Zarb-e-Azb, to drive the terrorists out.

The official statement further suggested that Pakistan may seek equipment for further building capacity and enhancing its counter-terrorism operations.

“Therefore, it is our prime requirement that not only our conventional capability needs to be increased but the cooperation with the US should be broad-based,” it said.



The CSF had been established after American troops went in to Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks. The programme was meant to reimburse costs incurred by certain countries including Pakistan in the fight against terrorism. While it expired in 2014, it was extended for a year.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 14^th,  2015.