New Afghan policy: US needs to consult us, says Kayani

[Naveed Yaseen]

KAMRA (November 24 2009): Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvaiz Kayani on Monday reiterated the demand that the United States must consider Pakistan while framing new Afghan policy as Pakistan is an important ally of the US in war on terror.

"They have to give Pakistan and its interests a consideration and consult us when they design new Afghan policy," General Kayani said while talking to reporters on the sidelines of the rolling-out ceremony of the JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra.

Kayani was of the view that there is a realisation in Obama administration regarding the importance of Pakistan and they would surely consult and take Pakistan into confidence. To a question regarding the scattered terrorists of Mehsud network, the COAS said security forces will follow terrorists who are on the run due to ongoing military assault in South Waziristan Agency (SWA). "Military operation will be expanded to Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) and to other areas where terrorists of Mehsud network go on hiding," he added.

He lauded the role of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in military operation against terrorists saying that PAF has played vital role in breaking the resistance of terrorists and its support to security forces was imperative. "With the support and consultation of PAF high command we succeeded in demolishing the terror networks in the country," he added.

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