Pakistan says it is targeting terrorists ‘indiscriminately’

PM’s special assistant Tariq Fatemi meets ranking US lawmakers.

WASHINGTON: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi has said Pakistan was “determined” to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from its soil and targeting all terrorist networks without any “discrimination”.

The special assistant said this during his meetings with ranking US lawmakers, including Senator John McCain, the Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), in Washington DC. Fatemi also met officials of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC).



Describing Pakistan as an important partner, the lawmakers expressed desire for strengthening bilateral ties in meetings and continuing cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

In his meeting with Senator McCain, Fatemi shared the overall security situation in the region. The special assistant informed the senator about the significant gains made by Pakistani forces following successful military operations in North Waziristan.

The regional situation, including Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan and the growing tension across the Line of Control and the Working Boundary, were also discussed.

Recalling his visit to Pakistan in the summer this year, Senator McCain “appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate terrorist outfits from the region and assured the SASC’s continued support in realising the common objective of defeating terrorism”.



He congratulated Pakistan on successful transition in the military command and reiterated the US commitment to remain engaged with Pakistan in promoting lasting peace and stability in the region.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 10^th, 2016.