US greatly appreciates efforts undertaken by Pakistan in fighting terrorism: General Joseph L Votel

Meeting took place between Commander US CENTCOM and PM in the federal capital on Saturday

ISLAMABAD: General Joseph L Votel, Commander US CENTCOM (United States Central Command), along with his delegation called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in the federal capital on Saturday.

During their meeting, the two discussed bilateral relations between Pakistan and the US pertaining to cooperation and the regional situation.

Foreign Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif, Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir, NSA General (retired) Nasir Janjua and Foreign Secretary were also present during the meeting.



Prime Minister Shahid discussed Pakistan’s concerns about the presence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) – also known as Da’ish – in the neighbouring Afghanistan.

He stressed that Pakistan has an important stake in peace and stability in Afghanistan as Pakistan has suffered the most due to the ongoing conflict in the troubled-country.

“Pakistan continues to support the Afghan Government and society in many ways including scholarships to Afghan students and infrastructural development,” said the prime minister.

General Votel also appreciated all the efforts being undertaken by Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. He also underscored the importance the US attaches to Pakistan.

Extreme violations of human rights in Indian-held Kashmir were also discussed during their meeting.

Both PM Shahid and General Votel agreed on the importance of working closely in a bid to address issues of regional concern. The premier also underscored that the South Asian review undertaken by the US would take into account Pakistan's efforts in fighting terrorism and its commitment to peace and security in Afghanistan.



General Votel is on a two-day visit to Pakistan. Amid relentless criticism of Pakistan from the Trump administration, Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday (yesterday) told the top US military commander that Pakistan does not need aid but an acknowledgement of its efforts in the fight against terrorism.