RAWALPINDI: Defence Secretary Muhammad Alam Khattak has expressed concern over the US congressional opposition to grant of funding for the sale of F-16s to Pakistan and said the aircraft are essential for the country’s fight against terrorism.

Retired Lt Gen Khattak was talking to Commander US Central Command Gen Joseph L. Votel, who called on him on Monday.

“Operation Zarb-i-Azb and the National Action Plan are the testament to Pakistan’s commitment in its fight against terrorism and extremism,” he said.

The secretary also asked about the status of the roadmap for a reimbursement mechanism under the Coalition Support Fund beyond 2016, a press release said.

Gen Votel acknowledged the role played by Pakistan’s armed forces in the fight against terrorism and said that the “continued support from US in training, equipment and necessary funding would act as tools essential to fight against terrorist outfits”.

The two sides expressed the resolve to enhance the bilateral cooperation, besides exchanging views on matters of mutual interests.

The meeting noted that there was a need to enhance and diversify defence ties by transcending the present confines of counterterrorism to take them to the realm of conventional defence.

The meeting was informed that Pakistan highly valued its relationship with the US, which spread over six decades and had witnessed progress in various areas, including trade, economy, investment, energy, defence and people-to-people contacts.

AFGHAN SECURITY: During Gen Votel’s meeting with Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif at the General Headquarters, matters of mutual and professional interests with particular emphasis on security situation in Afghanistan came under discussion.

The Centcom commander lauded the role of Pakistan Army for bringing peace and stability to the region.

Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2016