US ambassador discusses regional security with COAS

Matters of ‘mutual interest’ - including regional security issues - discussed during the meeting: ISPR

US Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale met Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa at General Headquarters (GHQ) on Monday.

Matters of ‘mutual interest’ - including regional security issues - were discussed during the meeting, a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

The meeting came days after US Defence Secretary James Mattis in his maiden visit to Pakistan, renewed its call for intensification of Pakistani operation in fight against terrorist groups allegedly operating from the Pakistani soil.

“Pakistan must redouble its efforts to confront militants and terrorists operating within the country,” the US Defence Secretary had told Pakistani leaders, according to a statement issued by the US Embassy in Islamabad.

A day before the Mattis arrived in Islamabad, Central Intelligence Agency Director Mike Pompeo had warned Pakistan that if it does not eliminate the alleged safe havens inside its territory, the US would do "everything we can" to destroy them.