Pakistan, US express firm resolve to act against all groups that target Pakistan & Afghanistan

Pakistan and the United States have agreed to continue bilateral engagements at all levels.

The resolve was expressed during a meeting of US Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South Central Asia Alice G. Wells with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua in Islamabad.

The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed regional issues particularly Afghanistan.

Both sides reiterated their firm commitment to act against all groups that target Pakistan and Afghanistan.

They agreed that the momentum of the peace initiative unveiled in Kabul by President Ashraf Ghani and followed up in Tashkent needs to be carried forward.

Mechanisms for return of refugees and strengthening border management were also discussed.

The Foreign Secretary apprised the visiting delegation of the continued ceasefire violations by India that undermined stability of the region and highlighted Pakistan's position that a comprehensive dialogue is the only way forward for civilized nations to resolve outstanding issues.

Ambassador Wells emphasized the importance of working together to achieve the common objectives of peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.

Alice Wells made her visit to Pakistan after the US have seen improvement in the measures being taken by Pakistan against terrorists. 

A couple of weeks ago, the US State Department's spokesperson Ms. Heather Nauert said, "We’ve certainly seen Pakistan take some positive steps in the right direction, but a lot more needs to be done, in terms of Pakistan cracking down not just on the Taliban, but the Haqqani Network and other terror networks as well."

Referring to the meeting of the US Vice President Mike Pence with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, she said the meeting took place on Friday last week. "They talked about the overall South Asia strategy, the administration’s South Asia strategy, and that’s one of the things that the Vice President addressed with him."