Stop drone attacks, COAS asks US

ISLAMABAD Pakistan, Monday, conveyed serious concerns to the US with regard to the growing Indian involvement in destabilising Pakistan through Afghanistan. These concerns were raised with the US Central Command Chief General David Petraeus during his separate meetings with political and military leaders of the country. Online adds: US General David Petraeus again assured that new Afghan policy will not affect national interests of the country at any cost urging undoubtedly US respects Pakistans sovereignty and integrity. US General David Petraeus on Monday met Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani at the GHQ. US Assistant Secretary of Defence Vicker was also present on the occasion. According to the military sources, a host of issues including Pak-US defence and Army relations, security in the entire South Asia, war against terrorism, US policy concerning drone attacks in the country, new US Policy and others in depth came under discussion during the meeting. Sources said during the hour-long meeting, Gen Petraeus highly acclaimed the sacrifices and role of the Pakistan Army, adding we will not leave Pakistan alone in dire consequences. He took into confidence Gen Kayani on a host of issues including that of sending 30,000 forces in Afghanistan by the US administration. He went on to say that there is an ample work to do if long-term progress is to be made in Afghanistan, adding new US policy on Afghanistan will not affect Pakistan. He termed the ongoing operation against militants in South Waziristan as highly productive to root out the menace of extremism. The Centcom Chief said Pakistani forces are operating very well against militants in SWA, adding they (militants) are posing a significant threat to Pakistan. On the other hand, COAS Gen Kayani again urged the US to stop drone attacks because it is proving counterproductive and thus creating a negative impact on war against terrorism. The Pak Army Chief discussed with the US Centcom Chief sending of 30,000 additional American force to Afghanistan and new US Policy. He said the US must cooperate in increasing and strengthening war capabilities of the Pakistan armed forces. Meanwhile, US Centcom Commander General David Petraeus called on Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani here at the PM House on Monday and briefed him about the contours of new Afghan policy announced by President Obama recently and took the government of Pakistan into confidence. During the meeting Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani assisted the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister welcomed President Obamas affirmation of partnership between the two countries built on a foundation of mutual interest, respect and trust. He said Pakistan and the US share the common strategic objectives for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan as well as combating terrorism. The Prime Minister said the Government of Pakistan is fully committed to a long-term strategic partnership with US and would continue to engage with the US and international community in developing a pragmatic and effective approach to address the issues that have imperilled security and stability in the region. Later, the Army Chief called on the Prime Minister. According to sources, the PM took the Army Chief into confidence on his earlier meeting with CENTCOM Chief David Petraeus and other issues. The Prime Minister again made it clear that the services and sacrifices of Pakistan Army are invaluable in the war against terrorism adding the government along with nation is backing them at all stages. The COAS briefed PM on the ongoing SWA operation, saying more than 600 terrorists have been killed during the operation while 80 officials of the security forces were martyred as a result of it. The sources said that the Army Chief briefed the PM on the new US Afghan Policy. Issues relating to national security, peace, latest equipment required and technology were also discussed in length during the course of the meeting. The PM assured the COAS that all-out efforts will be made to provide all resources to the Pakistan Army to counter terrorism.

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