US Congressmen push Nawaz on Shakil Afridi's release, counter terrorism

A strong relationship between Pakistan and United States was critical to achieve shared objectives, says Ed Royce.

WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was put on the spot when US Congressmen at the Capitol Hill pushed him over Dr Shakil Afridi's release and Pakistan's counter terrorism commitments.

“I specifically pressed the Prime Minister to release Dr Shakil Afridi and encouraged him to ensure that his nation is in fact a responsible and effective partner in countering terrorism, proliferation and violent extremism in the region,” said Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Ed Royce.

Royce was accompanied by ranking members of the Committee from both sides of the aisle, while Nawaz was accompanied by Advisor on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.

Royce said that the variety of issues critical to US national security came under discussion during the meeting. However, the Congressman remarked that a strong relationship between Pakistan and United States was critical to achieve shared objectives.

Nawaz maintained that both countries had cooperated closely at important junctures of history and a strong Pakistan-US bilateral relationship was important for peace and stability in the region.

The premier also raised Pakistan’s concerns on the continuation of drone strikes at the meeting.