WASHINGTON - Pakistan’s armed forces are committed to ensuring peace and security in the country as well as countering external threats, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif said, as he wrapped up his five-day visit to the US during which he met top administration officials and interacted with lawmakers.
Addressing members of the Pakistani community on Thursday evening, he said the military would take the war against terrorism to its logical conclusion and would not let the sacrifices of martyrs go in vain.
He said Zarb-e-Azb military operation in northwestern tribal areas of Pakistan must have been started much earlier, and wowed to take to the task those hindering this operation.
Prominent community members, including professionals, entrepreneurs, academicians, representatives of various community organisations, Americans of Pakistani origin working in the US government and the US Congress members also attended the event.
General Raheel Sharif underscored Pakistan’s commitment to friendly relations with its neighbours with dignity and honour. He said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has own views about the peace.
Pakistan Army chief said there are many who seek blocking efforts for peace in Afghanistan, but Pakistan remains committed to doing everything possible for lasting peace in that country.
He expressed satisfaction at the upward trajectory and growth in the Pak-US defence and counter-terrorism cooperation at this critical juncture in the history.
Pakistan and the United States had convergence of views on countering the existing and emerging threats in their mutual interest, he said.
Gen Sharif expressed conviction that Pakistan’s highly talented young men and women would lead the country ahead on the path of progress and prosperity.
He underlined that simultaneous with the return of peace and normalcy to the country, the completion of CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) would herald greater economic prosperity throughout the region.
The Pakistani community members lauded the historic role played by Pakistan’s Armed Forces in defeating the forces of extremism and terrorism.
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jiland highlighted the vital role played by Armed Forces of Pakistan in safeguarding the country from internal and external threats. He expressed appreciation for the immense sacrifices rendered by Pakistan Armed Forces personnel in bringing peace and security to the country.
BIDEN FOR EARLY REVIVAL
OF AFGHAN PEACE TALKS
Vice President Joe Biden reaffirmed United States’ desire for a “strong partnership” with Pakistan when he held talks with visiting Pakistani Army Chief General Raheel Sharif Thursday on regional and security situation in Afghanistan, the White House said in a statement.
The meeting took place at the historic Roosevelt Room of the White House, an honour rarely accorded to a foreign country’s serving army chief, that capped the top Pakistani general’s five-day visit to the United States.
Diplomatic observers also noted that besides his military counterparts, Gen Sharif met with top US civilian leadership and was also invited to address two congressional committees - on intelligence and armed services.
“The Vice President reaffirmed the United States’ interest in building a strong partnership with Pakistan that addresses our shared counterterrorism, economic and regional security concerns,” the statement said.
“Both leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to peace in Afghanistan and the important role that the US and Pakistan can play to support a reinvigorated reconciliation process in coordination with Afghanistan,” the White House said.
In a series of tweets, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Asim Bajwa, said Gen Reheel Sharif and Vice President Biden stressed early resumption of reconciliation process with the Taliban to achieve lasting peace in Afghanistan, which they argued is critical to peace and stability in the region.

Acknowledging Pakistan’s crucial role for peace, Biden noted Pakistan’s immense sacrifices both in terms of human lives and economic losses and reiterated firm American commitment to work closely with Pakistan in all areas of mutual interest, deepening, expanding cooperation to counter new and emerging threats, Bajwa said.