PM Khan, Centcom chief Gen McKenzie discuss Afghan peace

Published April 8, 2019
Prime Minister Imran Khan shakes hands with Commander US Centcom Gen Kenneth McKenzie Jr at PM Office. — PMO
Prime Minister Imran Khan shakes hands with Commander US Centcom Gen Kenneth McKenzie Jr at PM Office. — PMO

General Kenneth McKenzie Jr, the commander of US Central Command (Centcom), on Monday called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad.

The prime minister, in his meeting with Gen McKenzie, expressed his "long standing commitment to peace and stability in Afghanistan through a political settlement".

He emphasised the importance of "an intra-Afghan dialogue so that all stakeholders can form a policy for Afghanistan after the withdrawal of the US forces", and reiterated Pakistan's desire for "good neighbourly relations" with Kabul.

The premier, according to a press release issued by the PM's Office, also highlighted the importance of continuing military cooperation between Pakistan and US in order to counter "emerging threats", including the militant Islamic State group, which is concentrated on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Prime Minister Khan informed the US general of his desire to have friendly relations with all neighbouring countries of Pakistan, including India.

Gen McKenzie was also briefed on Pakistan's commitment to the implementation of the National Action Plan, which has been approved by all political parties.

Gen McKenzie's was on his maiden trip to Pakistan after he assuming charge as Centcom commander last month.

Opinion

Editorial

Words that wound
Updated 18 Jun, 2026

Words that wound

Hate speech rarely begins with physical attacks.
‘New urban province’
18 Jun, 2026

‘New urban province’

CONSIDERING the advance state of urban decay that affects Karachi, voices are often raised calling for the megacity,...
Punjab budget: mixed bag
18 Jun, 2026

Punjab budget: mixed bag

PUNJAB’S budget for FY27 is a mix of good and bad political choices, with a cash-strapped centre tightening the...
Spoiler alert
17 Jun, 2026

Spoiler alert

AFTER the temporary peace deal between the US and Iran is physically signed in Geneva on Friday, an arduous process...
Storm-tested cities
17 Jun, 2026

Storm-tested cities

THE deaths caused by the latest spell of monsoon rains in KP and Punjab illustrate how quickly severe weather can...
Chakwal tragedy
17 Jun, 2026

Chakwal tragedy

A NINE-year-old girl is dead because a Punjab Crime Control Department gunman mistook her family’s car for a...