Pak-US relations with reference of Haqqani Network and infiltration from Afghanistan by militants came under discussion in two separate meetings of Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani with US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Marc Grossman and General John Allen, Commander International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) at General Headquarters on Thursday.
According to ISPR, Grossman remained with General Kayani and discussed matters relating to Pak-US co-operative framework for peace in the region. Obama Administration has dispatched the senior diplomat to convince Pakistan to act against Haqqani network and to persuade Afghanistan to continue three-way talks with the US and Pakistan on counter terrorism and economic development.
Prior to Marc Grossman's departure to Afghanistan and Pakistan, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland in a weekly briefing had said that Grossman would visit neighbouring countries. She further said Grossman would advise Pakistan about how to tackle the Haqqani network.
Defence Sources said General Kayani protested with General John Allen over the increasing cross border infiltration from Afghanistan especially in the area of Chitral District and stressed the need of tightening security of their side. According to ISPR, the visiting dignitary remained with him for some time and discussed measures aimed at improving cross border co-ordination and procedures between Pakistan Army and ISAF/Afghan Army at Pak-Afghan border.
During the meeting, Kayani also refuted the US allegations regarding ISI links with the Haqqani network and said that Pakistan Army has been fighting as the frontline ally in the war against terror. The CoAS also called for end to volleys of allegations and said that such allegations could adversely affect not only the war on terror but also the cordial relations between the two countries.
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