Pakistan indicated on Thursday that it would discuss the military offensive in North Waziristan Agency with US special representative Marc Grossman, who is due in the capital on Saturday.
During a weekly news briefing, the foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed that US President Barrack Obama’s point man for Pakistan and Afghanistan would be travelling to Islamabad but stopped short of providing the details of his visit, apparently due to security reasons.
“The visit is part of ongoing engagements between the two countries, and when he (Grossman) comes, the two sides will discuss all issues of mutual interest and mutual concern,” was spokesperson Moazzam Khan’s response when asked if the envoy was visiting to discuss the possible offensive in the restive NWA.
Calls for a decisive push against hardcore militants believed to be hiding in North Waziristan have picked up momentum in the wake of an attack on 14-year-old peace activist Malala Yousafzai.
Strong remarks by the country’s top civil and military leadership condemning the assault on Malala also triggered speculation that the government was preparing for the long-delayed military operation.
However, opposition by certain right-wing religious parties and political expediencies compelled both civil and military authorities to hold the final decision.
Certain quarters and social circles have accused the US of using the attack on Malala as justification for an all-out operation in NWA by Pakistani authorities.
“We need to think about what happened, and what happened was extremely condemnable, reprehensible and there is no justification whatsoever. People will keep coming up with all sorts of stories and conspiracy theories,” the spokesperson said.
Khan also said that Pakistan and Russia discussed the Afghan conflict during the recent visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
“The two sides did discuss Afghanistan and there was a convergence of views on Afghanistan. Both sides attach great importance to peace and stability in Afghanistan,” he said, without providing further details.
It is believed both Pakistan and Russia are increasingly concerned about the future of Afghanistan, as they seek a regional solution to the issue instead of the one the US is reportedly trying to impose.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 19th, 2012.
COMMENTS (18)
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The TTP have loudly and publicly admitted that they are solely responsible for the sordid attack on young Malala.
As far as I'm concerned only a brutal savage would try and kill a 14 yar-old girl.
If, as some insist here, that the US was responsible was for the attack, then the TTP are not only brutal savages but they are also US agents and traitors to Pakistan. I n any event the Pakistan Army should stop dithering and get these brutes!
@numbersnumbers Look, I'm not a supporter of TTP because I actually live in Pakistan and know what they do. A stupid concept people like you have is that everyone anti-American HAS to be pro-Taliban when in fact the Taliban are affiliated with America. But to answer your question, pictures show: Her hair clean with no blood (she was shot in the head) Her neck totally unscathed
Apart from that, do you even know how assassins kill from point-blank. They shoot once to get them down, and shoot like 5-6 times after they're down to confirm they're dead. And a shot to the head, the bullet goes to the back of her neck however no brain damage. Does that ring any bells??? Just like the OBL raid, you're just blindly believing the media.
And for your other question, this is called 'trap-feed' in military terms or false-flag if you will. Making a small sacrifice to achieve huge goals. Like killing hundreds of Americans to kill thousands of Muslims after 9-11. She was pro-American and supported right so Americans themselves shot her to show that Pakistan is controlled by terrorists and that American principles are under attack. Therefore Pakistan needs to go to N.Waziristan and America has to keep droning them.
@rp: These are the same liberals who would demand and to capital punishment when an Indian or a liberal is sentenced to death.
Who else if not the jewish individuals, have been successful in ornamenting the entire foreign office of the USA..Thanks to Henry Kissinger, the most powerful zionist jew whose foreign policy of ancient times has been successfuly carried out todate despite change of several Presidents during this period. The President of the Cohen group will tell the military how the marines and seals have been squarely defeated by the Taliban Pashtuns, leaving the USA now to fly their unmanned kites high above the clouds only to be able to cause the death of children and the destruction of mud dwellings.
Rex Minor
@Hairaan: Then please tell us "Who staged Malala incident and why"', since you say it is so clear!
@lovePak: WOW, You say that "There is no evidence that she's (Malala) even been shot"! PLEEEEZE tell us what rock you have been hiding under for the last few weeks!!! Please show us your "official" TTP Apologist membership card!
He may bring up the subject but it's unlikely that the army will ever launch a major offensive in N Waziristan --- one speech by a Pakistan military leader indicating that the Taliban are the enemy doesn't mean Pakistan army has suddenly reversed course. The real pressure on the military is the Pakistani public who might be realizing that most of the resources used on the military hasn't given them much in return -- that pressure won't be enough for a major campaign but might give you a few air strikes and some chest thumping.
why pak has now changed its strategic partner ? u wer the one breaking soviet union now u dont want america.. keep dreaming pakistan like imran khan
pakistan has no option but to kill Talibaan and they be shown on television with numbers every day ..
Its now becoming clear as to who staged Malala episode and why.
The cat is now going to be out of bag.
How about taking action in the White House to remove the terrorists that authorize the deaths of hundreds of innocent men, women and children in the other corner of the globe. Let's join hands to eradicate them first, since terrorism can only be removed if the source is removed.
This is the whole point of the Malala drama. It was to pressure Pakistan into doing what America wants just like the OBL raid. And just like the OBL raid, there's no evidence that she's even been shot. And similarly it's been over-emphasized by the media (Madonna) to divert the attention from other events while simultaneously pressuring Pakistan and winning support for the drone campaign.
The Taliban need to be eliminated once and for all. Otherwise the there will be many more Malalas.
After Malala, NW operation was always on cards. With a favorable public sentiment, the Army must capitalize and clean up the area.
Does military takes such decision in USA? Why donot you ask AAZ who has earlier given you permission for OBL attack as told by Mansor Ijaz? Atleast give us benefit, weave off all our debt bcz we are going to get the fall out of this decision while you will be safe and enjoying in NYC.