Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff on Wednesday reassured Pakistan's military and civilian leadership that the Afghanistan military buildup is part of a long-term commitment to the region, not just a short term fix.
Mullen called on Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani here at GHQ and discussed issues relating to ongoing operation against Taliban militants in South Waziristan, enhancing partnership between the two militaries and the overall security situation of the region with focus on Afghanistan. Both the senior military officials also held discussions on rumours about extending the drone attacks to Balochistan.
After his arrival in Pakistan, Mullen also met Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Tariq Majeed and discussed issues pertaining to new Afghan policy and its impact on Pakistan. These meetings are taking place after President Zardari resisted a direct appeal from President Obama for rapid expansion of Pakistani military operations in tribal areas.