In the past thirteen years, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United States, have witnessed events which have defined, reaffirmed, improved and on rare occasions hurt our bi-lateral and tri-lateral relations. Throughout all these events, whether they were relief efforts, anti-terrorism operations or security trainings, what has motivated us to work together is our shared interest in eradicating militants who are conducting acts of terror almost on a daily basis. During his last meeting as the U.S. special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan, James Dobbins, along with Ambassador Olson, met with COAS General Sharif, National Security Adviser Sartaj Aziz and Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry in which he stated that Pakistan’s significance will multiply after the U.S. withdrawal from the region. The militants understand this fact very well that a strong tri-lateral relationship between the U.S., Pakistan and Afghanistan is a threat to their existence. Our nations have sacrificed a lot to fight the militancy in the region, especially the lives of our soldiers. The worse thing at this crucial time would be for our nations, especially AF-PAK, to focus on internal differences instead of these terrorists. We need to focus on the militants who have attacked and brainwashed innocent people, bombed mosques and schools, and who are continuing to plant IEDs that would indiscriminately kill more.
We share a common goal when it comes to the security and stability of the region; therefore, it only makes sense for regional partners to form a healthy working relationship for the betterment of the region.
Haroon Ahmad
DET – U.S. Central Command
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