RAWALPINDI – Omar Zakhilwal, Afghanistan’s ambassador to Pakistan, met withPakistan’s army chief Gen. Qamar Bajwa on Thursday morning to discuss arange of issues including bilateral relations.
In a message posted on Twitter, Zakhilwal said: “This morning met with PakArmy Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa for a comprehensive discussion on a range ofimportant issues including current state of bilateral relations and waysand steps that would help improve mutual trust and the environment forpeace and prosperity for both our nations.”
This comes amid increased pressure on Pakistan by the United States toeliminate insurgency and stop providing safe havens to militants.
Earlier this month Pakistan’s army chief told a top US general that hisnation feels “betrayed” by US criticism that it is not doing enough tofight terrorism – which prompted Washington to suspend military aid forIslamabad.
The Pakistani military said in a statement on January 12 that Bajwa told USCentral Command chief General Joseph Votel in a phone conversation that the”entire Pakistani nation felt betrayed over US recent statements despitedecades of cooperation.”
Bajwa told Votel that Pakistan will not seek to restore US military aid,but it does “expect honorable recognition of our contributions, sacrificesand unwavering resolve in the fight against terrorism,” the statement said.
US President Donald Trump on January 1 accused Pakistan of “lies anddeceit” and said the United States would suspend around $2 billion USD ayear in military aid until Islamabad moves decisively against AfghanTaliban and Haqqani Network militants who he said have found safe havenwithin Pakistan’s borders.