US ‘concerned’ about Shakil Afridi case: Olson

US ambassador also encouraged the govt to initiate dialogue with the Taliban

PESHAWAR: The United States has concerns about the safety and release of Dr Shakil Afridi and this issue has been discussed with the Pakistani government periodically, said US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson.

Speaking to the media during a visit to Peshawar on Friday, the US ambassador said the issue of his security has been frequently discussed with the Pakistani government.

Olson, while speaking about the government approaching Samiul Haq for negotiations with Taliban in Pakistan, encouraged the government to initiate dialogue. However, Olson said if the actions of the Taliban go beyond borders or if they pose any threat to US homeland security, then they would have concerns. He added negotiations with the Taliban are an internal issue of Pakistan.

Olson explained the US has chalked out a mechanism for the withdrawal of Nato troops from Afghanistan in 2014. He said the process would be divided in three phases, namely: security, economics and a political setup in Afghanistan.

The ambassador said the Afghan National Army (ANA) was trained and equipped to tackle the security situation of the country, while the nation is being supported economically by the US to stabilise it. Local governments have been strengthened to deal with their own issues, added Olson.

He said it would be difficult for the Taliban in Afghanistan to take over the government, as ANA is combating them effectively. “They will not let the Taliban to take over so easily."

While referring to Musharraf’s case, Olson reiterated it is an internal issue of Pakistan. He added that Musharraf is a friend of the US, but is currently under trial, so they have left it to the court to make their decision.

Speaking of the blockage of Nato supply lines in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Olson said, “It is a localised protest. The US has a contract with the federal government, and they have not blocked supply routes. America and Nato have resilient supply chains; so this has no impact on our operations in Afghanistan."

He spoke of negotiations with the US about halting drone strikes and Nato supply lines, claiming the US is open to speak to anyone. However, he added once again, this is an internal matter for Pakistan, which is why it should be discussed internally and not internationally. Olson said the stoppage would not affect America’s partnership with Pakistan.