US national security adviser discusses militant attacks in talks in Pakistan

Appreciates Pakistan Army's role in war on terror in meeting with army chief, also meets PM Nawaz Sharif, Sartaj Aziz

ISLAMABAD: US National Security Adviser Susan Rice met Prime Minister on Sunday to press concerns over attacks launched by militants based in Pakistan, officials said.

Her visit to Islamabad, part of an Asian tour that included an earlier stop in China, comes amid uncertainty over whether the United States will release $300 million in military aid to Pakistan.

Media reports suggested the money could be held back if the United States determines Pakistan was not doing enough to combat the Haqqani network, which has launched some of the deadliest attacks in neighbouring Afghanistan.

“Dr Rice expressed deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by Pakistan in the efforts to root out terrorism and extremism and the success achieved so far," a statement from the PM House said.

"Rice underscored the importance of strong Pakistan-US relations, and noted the positive direction of ongoing cooperation between the two countries especially in the areas of defence, economy and energy sectors."

A US official said Rice's visit was not in response to recent escalating tension between Pakistan and arch-rival India, who cancelled planned peace talks last weekend.

Read: US national security adviser to reach Pakistan on Sunday

Nine people were killed during an exchange of fire on Friday along a border disputed by India and Pakistan.

The United States has urged Pakistan and India to get reconciliation talks back on track.

The premier said the US was an important partner of Pakistan in all areas especially economy, defence and counter-terrorism.

“Pakistan sees its relations with the US as a partnership which is in the interest of the two countries, the region and the world.”

Read: Civil-military leadership slams Indian firing

Rice was accompanied by US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson and Senior Director for South Asian Affairs at the US National Security Council Dr Peter Lavoy.

Meanwhile, President Barack Obama invited premier Nawaz Sharif to visit the White House in October, Rice said in a tweet.

In Islamabad today, discussed how to deepen coop. to tackle shared priorities. Encouraged Pakistan to advance regional peace & stability.

— Susan Rice -Archived (@AmbRice44) August 30, 2015

Conveyed @POTUS invitation to PM Sharif to visit the @WhiteHouse in October to continue discussions.

— Susan Rice -Archived (@AmbRice44) August 30, 2015

Held excellent roundtable w brave Pakistani civil society activists. Inspired by their indispensable work 4 human rights & civil liberties

— Susan Rice -Archived (@AmbRice44) August 30, 2015

In response, Nawaz said he was looking forward to his visit to the US as an opportunity to further strengthen ties between the two countries.

Susan Rice meets Sartaj Aziz

The US adviser also met on Sartaj Aziz, PM’s adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs, a Foreign Office statement said.

“Wide-ranging discussions were held on the regional situation especially in the wake of emerging security environment in Afghanistan and current stalemate in Pakistan-India dialogue process,” the statement said.

Sartaj Aziz shakes hands with US NSA Susan Rice in Islamabad on August 30, 2015. PHOTO: PID

US ambassador calls on army chief

The US NSA adviser also called on Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif at the GHQ in Rawalpindi.

According to an ISPR statement, matters of mutual interest including regional security situation were discussed in the meeting.

The US NSA acknowledged Pakistan Army’s sincere efforts and sacrifices in the war on terror, the statement added.

US NSA,Amb Susan Rice called on #COAS at Rwp.Matters of mutual interest incl regional security situation discussed-1

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) August 30, 2015

Amb Susan Rice acknowledged and appreciated Pak Army's sincere efforts&sacrifices in war against terrorism-2 pic.twitter.com/aSqSrtNjTy

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) August 30, 2015

Both dignitaries also recognised the continued need for close Coordination for ensuring peace & stability in Afgn and the region-3

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) August 30, 2015

The US national security adviser’s visit to Islamabad comes as Pakistan and India trade barbs and bullets.

Pakistan’s civil and military leadership on Friday assailed Indian forces for flouting all international norms and targeting the country’s civilian population as the two neighbours exchanged the deadliest fire in recent months along the border.

Read: Pakistan will continue to respond to India border attacks, says Asif

While the Foreign Office summoned India’s high commissioner to register a strong protest over the unprovoked Indian firing, army chief General Raheel Sharif condemned New Delhi for ‘crossing all limits to terrorise Pakistan’s civilian population’ without any regard to all international conventions and norms.

Last week, the scheduled talks between national security advisers of both countries were called off just hours before Sartaj Aziz was set to fly to New Delhi.