New Pak-US defence cooperation mechanism suggested

WASHINGTON: The US and Pakistan have decided to forge a new mechanism for sustainable and continuous defence cooperation between the two countries. The decision to form a bolstering ‘medium-term framework’ has the aim to explore new avenues to build mutual trust and constant collaboration. Further details of the framework are still under way, but it will identify and address all broader bilateral defence related concerns, the News learnt here on Thursday.

The new framework will also deal with multiple defence related issues instead of separating and concluding one issue after another. It is not yet clear if the new framework will work under the already operating Defence Working Group or as a separate entity.

The resolve came on the heels of recently conducted Strategic Dialogue between Pakistan and the US, where both sides noted the importance of bilateral defence cooperation to achieve shared strategic objectives relating to counterterrorism and regional stability.

To work on nitty gritties of the new framework, a high-level Pakistani defence delegation, headed by Lt Gen Najibullah Khan, Director General Joint Staff, which was part of the Strategic Dialogue meeting, stayed behind and held various meetings with American officials.

The defence delegation also met with Congressmen from the powerful Armed Services, Intelligence and Foreign Affairs Committees on Wednesday. In support of the Obama administration’s decision to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan and to change the negative perception prevailing in the Congress, the delegation briefed the lawmakers on the latest operations underway to clear the remaining areas in North Waziristan and broader efforts against terrorism in the whole country. The delegation was accompanied by the Pakistani ambassador, who argued for the approval of F-16 fighter jets and its importance in combating terrorism.

During the Strategic Dialogue, the US had reiterated its continuing support to the armed forces of Pakistan in their ongoing counterinsurgency operations in Fata and disruption of militant networks.

The two sides also “underscored the importance of bilateral defence cooperation as serving their mutual interests and noted their willingness to explore new avenues to refine defence collaboration,” said a member of the delegation who requested not to be named.

The committee members expressed satisfaction at the direction of Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and lauded the sacrifices of Pakistanis in fighting terrorism, according to a delegation member. The US lawmakers were also briefed on the challenges of enabling the return of Internally Displaced Persons to the Fata in the wake of operations.

According to the joint statement issued after the Strategic Dialogue, “Pakistan expressed its appreciation for the pledge of $250 million announced by Secretary Kerry in 2015 for the relief, recovery and rehabilitation of IDPs from the Fata. The United States continues to partner with Pakistan to reconstruct schools, hospitals, and infrastructure to restore communities in the Fata and assist in the return of people to their homes.”

It is pertinent to mention that Adviser to PM on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz also had meetings with Chairman House Foreign Affairs Committee, Ed Royce, and Ranking member Eliot Engel during his visit just two days ago.