United States Central Command (Centcom) Commander, General Joseph Votel has emphasized that "all parties must work to ensure that Pakistani soil is not used to plan or conduct terrorist attacks against its neighbours." General Joseph Votel, Commander United States Central Command, led a delegation on a two-day visit to Pakistan this week, according to a press release issued here by the US embassy. This was General Votel's third visit to Pakistan as commander.
General Votel and the delegation met with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Defense Minister Khurram Dastgir, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Hayat, and Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa. In addition, the Pakistani Army hosted a tour of North Waziristan for the delegation.
In his discussions with Pakistani leaders, he emphasized that all parties must work to ensure that Pakistani soil is not used to plan or conduct terrorist attacks against its neighbours. "Military cooperation, and even stronger cooperation with Pakistan, is very important, and we deeply appreciate the hospitality and willingness to continue an honest and open relationship," General Votel was quoted to have conveyed to Pakistani authorities in his discussions. "We are extraordinarily pleased to continue these enduring relationships," the Centcom commander was further quoted as saying.
During his meetings, General Votel focused on the need to further strengthen the US and Pakistani military-to-military relations as the two nations work together to ensure greater regional security and stability. "This visit allowed the general to gain an increased understanding of the counterterrorism and counter-insurgency efforts the Pakistani government has made over the years to achieve our shared objectives," the press release further stated.
The latest visit of the US Centcom commander comes when Trump administration withheld Pakistan's outstanding amount under the Coalition Support Fund (CSF) following Defence Secretary could not certify to the Congress that Pakistan has taken sufficient action against the Haqqani Network, a fierce fighting group of Afghan Taliban responsible for actions against the US troops in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, according to ISPR, the US delegation headed by General Joseph L Votel, visited North Waziristan Agency on Saturday. The delegation was briefed about Pak Army's operations in NWA and about Pak-Afghan border security mechanism through enhanced surveillance measures.
The delegation was also briefed about progress on the socio-economic developments including return of temporarily displaced persons (TDPs). The delegation appreciated efforts and sacrifices of Pakistan Army and local tribes for re-establishing peace and order in the area. The visiting dignitary also realized the importance of Pak-Afghan bilateral border security co-ordination. Later the delegation visited Army Public School Miranshah and interacted with students.
Earlier, upon arrival at North Waziristan Agency, the delegation was received by Commander Peshawar Corps, Lieutenant General Nazir Ahmad Butt. Lieutenant General Bilal Akbar, Chief of General Staff, accompanied the delegation.