WASHINGTON: The commander of US-led troops in Afghanistan, General John Allen, is due to visit Pakistan on Wednesday, officials said, amid strained relations between Islamabad and Washington.
In meetings with Pakistani army chief General Ashfaq Kayani, Allen is expected to discuss militants operating from havens inside Pakistan, Islamabad's continuing blockade of Nato supply convoys to Afghanistan and other issues, said US officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The United States withdrew its negotiating team from Pakistan earlier this month after talks stalled on the reopening of crucial routes into Afghanistan for Nato trucks.
US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta also has warned the United States is running out of patience over Islamabad's failure to crack down on Haqqani fighters staging cross-border attacks out of Pakistan.
Pakistan shut its borders to Nato supply convoys in November after 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed in a botched US air strike along the border.
Washington has expressed condolences but refused a demand from Pakistan to issue an apology over the incident.
The US military now runs supplies by air and over longer, more costly road and rail routes through Central Asia, the Caucasus and Russia.
Allen's visit coincides with political turmoil in Pakistan, after judges ousted the premier. Last week, MPs elected Raja Pervaiz Ashraf as Pakistan's new prime minister in a bid to end the crisis.
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We remain hopeful that we will see both nations in a healthy partnership once again. We’ve certainly wasted enough time, and the seriousness of the situation requires us to bury the hatchet and focus on creating a common ground. At the end of the day, you cannot ignore the importance of both nations working together to combat terrorism. And that’s the reason you see both of our nations making strong efforts to iron out their differences. We must keep the ultimate goal of bringing peace and stability in sight, and that is only possible through joint cooperation. The terrorists have already claimed thousands of innocent lives, and continue to infiltrate the region with their acts of terror. Our failure to resolve our differences is only providing these terrorists with the encouragement to further their evil agenda. We must let these terrorists know that the security of our nations rests above everything else, and we will not let them carry on with their evil mission.
It is wrong to say, there was cross firing in between Nato helicopter and the pakistani soldiers stationed at Salala out post. According to the sources familiar with the incident,no single short was fired from the side of post. In the first instance,they admitted their mistake and subsequently changed their stance. In fact they are responsible for murder of 24 Pakistani soldiers.
In case, they believe in fair game,should offer apology Compensation be paid to deserves and bring to justice all those responsible for the tragic incident,in this way supply lines communications would automatically be reopened.
7 soldiers beheaded by militants came form safe heavens of Afghanistan , is this the way you chuckling the weight of your visit ?
The outcome of this meeting may clarifies the determination of the stance adopted by both countries. There might be witnessing a glimpse of decisive posture by US on eleven years long deployment.
In case, they want restore supply line communication,it is indispensable for them to offer formal apology,it would effected bilateral relations,which are strained may by this act delightful.
Time is running out,further delay is not favorable.
I wonder what ultimatum he is going to give to the Pak establishment.
I have a gut feeling that this visit is going to be watershed moment in the history of both the nations.
I am not much excited towards this meeting ,deadlock would be there. An apology would be solve the matter , Apology from US ,road towards peace land ..