Air strikes in Waziristan 'effective and successful': Sartaj Aziz

Sartaj Aziz clarifies Pakistan has not proposed an extension in the deployment of US forces in Afghanistan.

ISLAMABAD: National Security Adviser Sartaj Aziz on Thursday described the air strikes in militant-infested Waziristan as “effective and successful” and said that all such groups which are involved in terror related activities will be targeted.

When asked if the government plans a major offensive in North Waziristan, he did not comment. He added that the Prime Minister will consult with all political parties for a future strategy.

To questions about the peace talks in Afghanistan that were initiated by a former Afghan Taliban minister, Agha Jan Motasim, Aziz said that it was a good start.

About the ongoing controversy between the US and President Karzai about the Bilateral Security Agreement, he said it was a matter between Afghanistan and the US.

“Afghanistan is a sovereign country and they will have to decide what to do. We do not have any specific opinion on it,” he said.

He added that Pakistan has not proposed an extension in the presence of US forces in Afghanistan.

“Our concern is that if insurgency increases in Afghanistan it would affect us. That is why we are in favour of reconciliation in Afghanistan,” he added.

He denied that there was a change in Pakistan’s policy on Syria.