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.
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