WASHINGTON: Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee John McCain has said that under the leadership of General Raheel Sharif, the Pakistan Army had “inflicted losses to the enemy at great sacrifice”.

In a statement issued by his office, Senator McCain said that Gen Sharif also visited the Senate panel and explained how the Pakistani forces were combating terrorists.

“The meeting was productive and informative to all members of the committee. We value our relationship with Pakistan during these very challenging times,” he said.

“Members believe that the fight against the Taliban is far from over and the Taliban continues to play a key role in the region.”

Also read: Pentagon ‘grateful’ for army chief’s visit

Senator McCain, a former Republican presidential candidate, said: “I thanked Gen Sharif for his leadership and expressed my appreciation for the sacrifice of so many brave Pakistani soldiers in the fight against terrorism.”

Gen Sharif’s meeting with the committee members focused on the situation in Afghanistan, the fight against the IS, and ways to improve coordination and cooperation between the two countries against terrorists, the senator said.

“Going forward, I hope we will continue working closely together in the interest of both our countries,” he said.

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2015