Army chief calls for global response against terrorism

US senators assure General Raheel Sharif of support and cooperation in eradicating terrorism, extremism from Pakistan

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif has called for a coordinated global response against terrorism, the ISPR said.

“Terrorism is a global threat,” the army chief was quoted as saying.

According to the military's media wing, General Raheel, who is on an official tour in the United States met US Senate's Armed Services Committee on Thursday.

"US senators acknowledged Pakistan Army’s efforts against terrorism, saying the army’s perseverance and commitment had degraded militants in the country’s north western region,” the ISPR statement said.

#COAS after mtng with Senate Armed Services Committee headed by Senator John McCain pic.twitter.com/XRYSpxP7RL

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) November 19, 2015

#COAS met Senate Committee on Int.Sen Richard Burr&Feinstein noted;Pak Army's perseverance&commitment had degraded militant NWs in Pak-1

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) November 19, 2015

The committee assured General Raheel of US support and cooperation in eradicating terrorism and extremism from the country, saying Pakistan had successfully turned the tide of terrorism.

Ldrship of Int Committee acknowledged Pak has turned tide of terrorism,assured COAS of US support&coop in eradicating terrorism& extremism.2

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) November 19, 2015

#COAS emphasised Terrorism a global threat,warrants coordinated global response-3

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) November 19, 2015

Earlier upon his arrival, the COAS was received by members of the US Senate’s Armed Services Committee at Capitol Hill. Chairman US Senate John McCain, Senator Jack Reed and other senior officials were present.

Senate Armed Services Committee receivedd #COAS at Capitol Hill.Chmn Sen John McCain,Sen Jack Reed &senior senator members were present-1

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) November 19, 2015

Senator McCain lauded the efforts, sacrifices and steadfastness of the Pakistan Armed Forces, especially the leadership of General Raheel, in fighting terrorists on both sides of the Pakistan, Afghanistan border.



https://twitter.com/AsimBajwaISPR/status/667324902081433600

Appreciating longstanding Pak-US def coop,Sen McCain emphasized need to further reinforce this partnership in view of emerging devs-2

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) November 19, 2015

The army chief also highlighted the need for stepped up Pakistan, Afghanistan border management and sustained cooperation to deal with emerging threats.

https://twitter.com/AsimBajwaISPR/status/667325701553549312

Earlier on Wednesday, the army chief met US Secretary of State John Kerry in Washington, and called for resolution of the longstanding Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India for achieving durable peace and stability in South Asia.

He also shared Pakistan’s perspective on the regional security situation with the top American diplomat.



The army chief’s visit is being given unprecedented importance largely because of the military’s influence on major national and foreign policy issues. Since arriving in Washington, General Raheel has already met senior US officials, including defence secretary, CIA’s chief and top military commanders. He is also expected to meet US Vice President Joe Biden.