Pak-Afghan relations hold key to regional peace, General Raheel tells US

Pakistan and US need to cement ties in all dimensions, says US Senator John McCain who calls on General Raheel at GHQ

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif told visiting US Senator John McCain on Saturday that a stable Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan and better ties between the two countries hold a key to regional peace and security.

He expressed these views during a meeting with a US congressional delegation led by Chairman of US Senate Arms Services committee Senator McCain who called on the army chief at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Joe Donnelly were also part of the delegation.



Besides matters of mutual interest and regional security with particular reference to Afghanistan, during the meeting Pakistan's successes in war on terror and need for an effective border management mechanism along Pak-Afghan border to check illegal movement on either side of the border were also discussed.

Army chief also apprised the visiting delegation regarding security challenges faced by Pakistan and the country's contribution towards regional stability and global peace.



While acknowledging the success of Operation Zarb-e-Azb, Senator McCain said Pakistan Army's achievements in counter terrorism operations are phenomenal and reflect Pakistan’s determination to eliminate terrorism.

Further, the senator said both Pakistan and US need to cement relations in all dimensions and must strive for greater coordination for optimal deliverance of peace dividend in the region.

During the day, US special representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Olson also called on General Raheel.