“He has perhaps travelled to more world capitals over the last two years than even the prime minister, reinforcing the perception that not only does the military call the shots on security matters it is also actively directing the country’s foreign policy”, author Zahid Hussain has said in an op-ed on Gen. Sharif’s visit to the States.
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The army chief stressed the need for a “conducive environment in the region” for re-initiating an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process.
The sources further said that besides the issues of mutual interests, the Afghan reconciliation efforts and Pakistan’s possible role would be a key agenda item of the army chief meetings with both civil and military leadership of the US. The USA defence secretary appreciated Pakistan’s contribution and sacrifices in fighting the war on terror and acknowledged the effects of successful counter-terrorism operations, the ISPR spokesman said.
“The (Defence) Secretary made clear that the United States feels strongly about the need to go after groups like the Haqqani Network that threaten the United States, threaten, certainly, U.S. forces operating in Afghanistan”, he said in response to a question.
“We are grateful that COAS Raheel (Sharif) is taking time to hold consultations in person”.
According to the details, US-Pak defense relations and the regional situation of the area were discussed in detail during the meeting.
Pakistan’s Army Chief General Raheel Sharif met with United States Defence Secretary Ashton Carter at Pentagon here on Tuesday, where the latter underlined the “strategic importance” of bilateral relations of the two countries with “shared history”.
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According to a report broadcast by the official Voice of America radio, Gen Sharif might also meet Vice President Joe Biden when he goes to the White House for a meeting with National Security Adviser Susan Rice.
