US not to repeat past mistakes: Holbrooke

LAHORE-US special envoy on Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke called on PML-N chief Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif at his residence in Raiwind here on Thursday. US Ambassador Anne W. Patterson and US Consulate Principal Officer Brian D.Hunt were also present on the occasion. During the meeting, both dignitaries focussed their discussion on war on terror, its implications, future pros and cons, possible change in the US policy regarding Pakistan and Afghanistan and changing scenario in the region. Holbrooke assured that US would adopt realistic policy regarding war on terror considering the basic problems of Pakistan. 'I hope that we will make a joint team to stamp out the terrorism as soon as possible', he added. Admitting the mistakes done by US in the past, he said that new US admin headed by Barack Obama would try its best to avoid repeating the previous mistakes. On the occasion, Nawaz opined that in the presence of Bush policies, terrorism could never be uprooted. However, he said: 'it is matter of pleasure that new US President Barack Obama understands the hardships of Pakistan'. He differentiated Bush with Obama, saying former was associated with a dictator while latter is desirous to make contacts with a democratically-elected govt. He appreciated US President and his administration for giving importance to Pakistan. He, however, expressed concern over the on-going drone attacks in Northern Areas and apprised Holbrooke of people's feelings against US. He branded drone attacks as threat to the sovereignty of Pakistan and demanded him to play his role in easing the tension. Meanwhile, an important meeting was held between PML-Q President Ch.Shujaat Hussain, former Punjab CM Pervaiz Elahi and US Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke. Talking to media at the residence of Brian D Hunt, both the leaders led by six member delegation called upon Holbrooke to play his role in new US policy taking all democratic forces into confidence. They demanded for stopping drone attacks forthwith. 'Pakistan should not be treated as time pass rather US should try to win the hearts of people', they maintained. They also underlined the need for improving mutual relations. Shujaat and Pervaiz also urged upon US to come forward to resolve the Kashmir issue. The delegation included Mushahid Hussain Syed, Amir Muqam, Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri and Ch. Zaheerud Din who welcomed the meetings of Holbrooke with politicians.

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