ISLAMABAD: The United States has laid stress on ‘determined’ counter-terrorism efforts by Pakistan.

A statement issued by the US embassy on Tuesday on the visit of US Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenert said: “Pakistan’s determined effort to root out terrorism and militancy on its own territory is essential for creating a stable environment for promoting economic growth and prosperity.”

The statement was, however, not directly attributed to Admiral Greenert, who during his stay in Pakistan met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Asif Sandila and other senior military officials.

The embassy said Admiral Greenert’s discussions focused “on a wide range of common security issues”.

Deputy Secretary of State William Burns had during his visit to Islamabad last week said: “Countering cross-border militancy and shutting down safe havens is critical not only for Pakistan’s long-term peace and prosperity but also for positive relations between Pakistan and all its neighbours, including Afghanistan.”

The back-to-back statements indicate growing US pressure on Pakistan in the midst of drawdown of coalition troops from Afghanistan to act against terror sanctuaries in tribal areas from where militants allegedly launch strikes inside Afghanistan.

The Pakistan government has failingly tried to engage the local militants in dialogue in an effort to end violence in the country. Although international community had long accused Pakistan of not doing enough to eliminate terror sanctuaries of foreign militants on its soil, action against militants of all shades remains suspended pending the final outcome of government’s peace initiative launched early this year except for brief strikes for increasing pressure on militants to negotiate.

US officials, speaking privately, say that suspension of drone attacks on Pakistan government’s insistence had provided space to militants to regroup.

The embassy recalled that since 2002 Pakistan had received more than $16 billion of security assistance and reimbursements.

During his meetings Admiral Greenert reaffirmed the importance of Pak-US security relationship for regional stability and agreed to continue to work together in order to build a stronger partnership and further common objectives.

The PM Office said the senior US navy officer discussed matters pertaining to regional and bilateral interests with Prime Minister Sharif.

Meanwhile, a PAF spokesman said Admiral Greenert talked about regional security issues and other areas of cooperation in his meeting with Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt at the Air Force headquarters.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2014.