US CENTCOM commander appreciates Pakistan’s sacrifices in war on terror

General Austin calls on Army Chief General Raheel Sharif at the GHQ

RAWALPINDI: US CENTCOM Commander General Lloyd Austin appreciated on Wednesday Pakistan Army’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism, particularly the country’s efforts for bringing peace in the region.

According to an Inter Services Public Relations statement, General Austin called on Army chief General Raheel Sharif at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

Comd US CENTCOM,Gen Lloyd Austin called on #COAS in GHQ.Matters of mutual interest, Regional security discussed-1/2 pic.twitter.com/n9BTZdqYl7

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) August 26, 2015

"Matters of mutual interests and regional security were discussed," the statement said, adding the US commander also paid homage to the Pakistan Army soldiers killed during the operations.

Read: Army chief approves increase in number of military courts for Karachi

Acknowledged Pak Army sacrifices&efforts in war on terror 4 bringing peace in Pak&the region.Paid homage to Pak martyrs,Laid floral wreath-2

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) August 26, 2015

Later, Gen Austin also called on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Rashad Mahmood.

They discussed matters related to mutual interest with Gen Austin acknowledging the role played by the Pakistani armed Forces in fighting terrorism.



Earlier on Tuesday, General Raheel Sharif  approved an increase in the number of military courts for Karachi in an effort to speed up the trial of high-profile terrorists in the metropolitan city. Initially, nine military courts were set up across the country under the National Action Plan against terrorism.

The army chief, who was in the town, appreciated the role of paramilitary Rangers, police and security agencies in the ongoing surgical operation in Karachi. “The operation will continue across the board against terrorists, criminals and mafias in Karachi,” Gen Raheel said as tweeted by Maj Gen Asim Bajwa, the chief military spokesperson, on microblogging site Twitter.

The army chief also directed the law enforcers to break the evil nexus between terrorism, criminal mafias, violence and corruption to ensure peace and a terror-free Karachi. Gen Raheel was briefed on the latest security situation in the city at the Corps Headquarters.