US Congressman Mr. Chris Stewart called on the Special Assistant to
the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, this afternoon. A Republican
Party member from Utah’s Second District, Congressman Chris serves as a
member of House Appropriations Committee and the House Intelligence
Committee.
Welcoming Congressman Steward on his maiden visit to Pakistan, the SAPM
appreciated the positive role and invaluable support by the US Congress
for democracy in Pakistan over the years. The SAPM underscored the
importance of deepening cooperation between the elected legislatures of
the two countries, noting that Pakistan, as vibrant democracy, has a lot
to learn from the US.
The SAPM highlighted the importance that Pakistan attached to a
cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with the US. He said
that certain recent developments warranted closer cooperation and better
understanding. He said that frequent visits such as that of the
Congressman and earlier one led by Senator John McCain would help
promote this objective.
The SAPM noted that Pakistan was particularly disappointed at the news
that the Pentagon had decided not to certify about the concerted and
forceful measures taken against the Haqqani network. Ironically, this
had happened at a time when Pakistan had made remarkable progress
through operation Zarb-e-Azb in dismantling terrorist networks from
Pakistan’s soil without discrimination. Linking the release of Coalition
Support Funds to specific actions by Pakistan, the SAPM pointed out,
was not consistent with the spirit of the CSF which in fact is a
reimbursement for the expenses incurred by Pakistan in supporting wider
counter-terrorism efforts in the region post 9/11.
In his remarks, Congressman Chris Stewart noted that Congress
recognized the efforts and sacrifices made by the Pakistani nation and
its armed forces in the fight against terrorism. He added that the visit
had provided him a deeper understanding of the Pakistan-US bilateral
cooperation in counterterrorism and towards the joint efforts by QCG in
restoring peace and stability in Afghanistan.
