Pakistan’s Role in War Against Terrorism Cannot be Denied. Gen Joseph Votel
Pakistan’s Role in War Against Terrorism Cannot be Denied. Gen Joseph Votel: The US Central Command Gen Joseph Votel said that the role of Pakistan cannot be denied in the war against terrorism. He recognized and appreciated the efforts made by Pakistan. He said that they valued the military-to-military relationship with Pakistan.
Gen Joseph Votel who as head of the Central Command is responsible for all US military operations in the Pakistan-Afghan region told that the US had preserved the valuable military-to-military relationship with Pakistan and attempted to increase transparency and communication with military leaders of Pakistan.
The US commander pointed out that the military had recently seen some positive indicators from Pakistan which led to believe that Pakistan was becoming more and more responsive to US concerns about alleged militant safe havens in the country. He told, “Pakistan is ready to cooperate with US regarding concerns”. He added that the war against the militants in Afghanistan will be difficult without Pakistan’s support and assistance. He added further that the relations between the United States of America and Pakistan are important for the peace process in Afghan.
Gen Votel told the House Armed Services Committee,“Recently, we have started to see an increase in communication, information sharing and actions on the ground in response to our specific requests , these are positive indicators”.
However, he said that Pakistan had not yet made progress regarding strategic shift which could satisfy USA. He said “Ongoing national counter – terrorism efforts against anti-Pakistan militants throughout the country have not yet translated into the definitive actions and our demand from Pakistan to take against Afghan Taliban or Haqqani leaders”. He emphasized that Pakistan should play its constructive role in order to eliminate the US concerns. It should be kept in mind that the relations between the both countries are under cold after the statement of US President Donalad Trump who blamed Pakistan for supporting the Taliban.