Recent efforts by Pakistan to forge closer diplomatic ties with China and Russia does not represent the opening salvos of "a zero sum game" with Washington, according to the country's new ambassador to the United States. Islamabad's ties to Washington remain "one of critical importance" to the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry told reporters on Friday.
Ongoing outreach between the Chinese and Russian governments and a key American ally in Southwest Asia is not only in Pakistan's interest, but also in the interest of the US, Chaudhry said. Pakistan's emerging ties with China, which include the creation of several economic zones in the country that are already attracting investment interest from Europe and the US, should be seen as a bridge rather than a barrier to US relations, Chaudhry said. "We can serve as that bridge," he added.
While painting Pakistan's growing linkages with Beijing as one beneficial to the international community, the country's overtures toward Russia are steeped in preserving Islamabad's regional interests. But allegations by US European Command Chief General Mike Scaparrotti that Russia is providing material support to the Taliban, coupled with Moscow's military aggressiveness in Ukraine and Eastern Europe, has Washington casting a wary eye on Pakistan's efforts.
On Friday, Chaudhry said Islamabad is reaching out to all possible allies in the region, in order to maintain diplomatic stability with all its neighbours. Lumping Russia into that group, "why should we stop reaching out to Moscow," he said. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said that leadership, security forces and the people of Pakistan are united in fight against terrorism.
He said that peace has returned all across the length and breadth of the country after success in fight against terrorism. He further said that improved security situation and the economic reforms have led to a revival of the economy in the country. Answering a question Aizaz Chaudhry said that the solution for peace and stability in Afghanistan lies in negotiations and political stability. He further said that Pakistan wants good relations with India. He said that there is a need for meaningful dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve all issues.
Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said that all stakeholders were taken into confidence before launching Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad against terrorism. He said that the Pakistani nation and security forces are determined to uproot terrorism from the country. "Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad was launched to bring the remaining terrorists to their logical end," he said.
The ambassador stated that Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan yielded positive results." Chaudhry, commenting on the political situation in South Asia, said that Pakistan wants friendly bilateral ties with the neighbouring country. He added that terrorists and extremists take advantage of the delay in negotiation process.
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