WASHINGTON (Staff Report) – Pakistan has reaffirmed its strong commitment of not allowing any terrorist group to plan and launch violent activities from its soil.
Speaking at the 6th Ministerial Review of Pak-US Strategic Dialogue Process held in Washington, Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said measures are being taken to choke terrorist funding and accounts worth one billion rupees have been frozen so far.
The US side at the talks was led by Secretary of State John Kerry.
Sartaj Aziz said that as a result of the ongoing military operation Zarb-e-Azb, the most treacherous and unreachable areas in FATA especially in North Waziristan are now under the writ of the State. Secondly, he said that in line with priorities of the ational Action Plan, the government is taking all necessary measures to launch intelligence based operations.
He said the government is engaging religious scholars and community leaders to establish close contacts with young people in their communities, mosques and schools and discuss issues that provoke radical narratives and misunderstandings.
A recent such meeting in Islamabad issued a comprehensive fatwa declaring Islamic State a terrorist group.
The Adviser said that Pakistan has consistently appreciated the US support in enabling its capacity to fight terrorism.
He also thanked the United States for providing F-16 jets to Pakistan.
Sartaj Aziz also underlined the need for the US cooperation and support for more efficient border management between Afghanistan and Pakistan to help check illegal movement of terrorists criminals and smugglers.
Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan supports peace in Afghanistan, as it is the biggest sufferer of violence in Afghanistan.
Later talking to newsmen along with Secretary of State John Kerry, Sartaj Aziz said the strategic dialogue has further strengthened bilateral relations.
The Adviser urged the United States to grant more access to Pakistani products to US markets.
John Kerry said the United States recognizes the extraordinary and real sacrifices that Pakistan’s military has rendered in war on terror especially in Operation Zarb-e-Azb.
He said the United States has pledged 250 million dollars to help rehabilitate the people displaced by the military operation in tribal areas.
John Kerry welcomed Pakistan’s commitment to not differentiate among terrorist groups.
Meanwhile, speaking with VOA, former US Ambassador to Bahrain Adam Ereli said Pakistan is a country of enormous geo-strategic consequences.
