WASHINGTON: PM Imran Khan while speaking to Congresspeople at the Capitol Hill lamented that Pakistan was not understood here particularly in the last 15 years when the war on terror was being fought in Afghanistan and on the border of Pakistan.
Reminding that 70,000 Pakistani people died in the war against terror and Pakistani economy lost (100) billion dollars PM Imran Khan reiterated that his country and armed forces were on the same page to achieve a peaceful solution to the Afghan conflict. He said that Pakistan had nothing to do with the 9/11 and Al-Qaida was in Afghanistan and there were no militant Taliban in Pakistan. Assuring that Pakistan was trying to bring Taliban to the negotiating table he told that a significant achievement had been made in this regard.
He said that during his meeting with President Trump and Secretary of State Pompeo he endeavored to explain to them the way forward that the relationship has to be based on mutual respect and truth. Reminding that Pakistan always had strong ties with US he hoped after his interaction with the US leadership, the people of America would have better understanding about Pakistan.
On his arrival at Capitol Hill, US Congress Speaker Nancy Pelosi, other congresspeople and Co-Chair of Pakistan-US Caucus welcomed the PM. In their brief speeches Congresspeople appreciated the role Pakistan was playing especially in the Afghan peace process and admitted that Pakistan had enormously suffered in the war against militancy. Earlier, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the role of congress was vital to further fortify the Pak-US ties.
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COAS’s busy schedule:
WASHINGTON: Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa met US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and the country’s top military leadership during his visit.
General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited the Pentagon and met Chairman Joint Chief of Staff (CJCS) General Joseph F Dunford. COAS also met Acting Secretary of Defense Richard Spencer and the Chief of Staff of the US Army General Mark A Milley. On the occasion, he was presented a guard of honor with a 21 gun salute. Pak army chief and the acting defense secretary discussed the regional security situation including the Afghan end game. Both, the secretary and the CJCS, acknowledged Pakistan Army’s contributions in the war against terrorism. During the rendezvous they also focused on matters related to security and bilateral military cooperation.
COAS also visited Arlington National Cemetery to pay tribute to the national heroes of the US. There national anthems of both countries were played as a special ceremony was held at the cemetery. US Senator Lindsay Graham and retired General Jack Keane met Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa in Washington. Afghan peace process and Pakistan-US bilateral relationship were discussed during the meeting/ Senator Graham recollecting his visit to Pakistan appreciated Pakistan’s role in improving security dynamics in the region. COAS informed them of the ameliorated security state of affairs in Pakistan and the following opportunities for foreign businesses to invest. Pak Army Chief said that bilateral relationship holds potential for both countries and would also assist in regional stability.
