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ISLAMABAD: The government has re-emphasised that the military operation in North Waziristan is even-handed and militants of all shades are being targeted.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz told visiting US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan James Dobbins on Monday that “Zarb-i-Azb was addressing this menace (of militancy) without any discrimination or distinction”.
Ambassador Dobbins was on a farewell visit to Islamabad, where he also met Chief of the Army Staff General Raheel Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.
According to military figures, so far over 500 Taliban fighters have been eliminated during the operation launched on June 15.
Fatemi to leave for US today on official visit
With no word on capture or killing of militants belonging to the Haqqani network and other groups involved in Afghanistan, there is a growing perception in the United States and Afghanistan that Afghan insurgents have been spared.
The American officials have been expressing their concerns about the operation in closed-door meetings with Pakistani interlocutors.
Sartaj Aziz reiterated the government’s commitment to a “peaceful, stable and united Afghanistan”.
Appreciating Secretary of State John Kerry’s role in negotiated settlement of the election dispute in Afghanistan, the adviser said Pakistan supported a peaceful democratic transition in Afghanistan for being important for stability in that country and the region.
Bilateral ties, particularly the progress in strategic dialogue, were also discussed during the meeting.
A statement issued by the US Embassy said Ambassador Dobbins in his meetings during the visit “reaffirmed the importance of the US-Pakistani relationship to regional stability and agreed to continue to work together in order to build a stronger partnership to advance our common objectives”.
APP adds: Adviser Aziz praised Ambassador Dobbins’ efforts for the promotion of stable, cooperative and durable relations between Pakistan and the US during his term as special representative.
The adviser highlighted the instrumental role of Pakistan-US strategic dialogue in fostering closer collaboration in the fields of trade, economy, energy, counter-terrorism, education and science and technology.
The two sides expressed satisfaction over steady enhancement of mutual understanding and fruitful cooperation.
The meeting was also attended by US Ambassador Richard Olson and Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry.
Ambassador Dobbins also called on Gen Raheel Sharif at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2014
