‘Hitches in Pak-US arms deal should not create bad blood’

WASHINGTON: US Congressman Mark Meadows has said that any hitches in foreign arms deals between Pakistani government and the Obama administration should not bring any bad blood since such decisions are part of the debating procedures.

Talking to The News at a reception on Pakistan Day hosted by the Embassy here, the Congressman insisted that the relationship between the two countries was more than strategic. "There is a real desire to make sure that we have a mutual interest in fighting terrorism, and finding those extremist elements that are not only in Pakistan but also in the bordering countries," he said adding that such elements were all over and both the countries were determined to fight them together.

"Those strategic alliances supersede much of other decisions that are being made; and as we start to look at having the adequate tools to be able to fight those battles are critical," he said.

Speaking specifically about the defence equipment related deals with Pakistan, Congressman Meadow further said, "There's an air of caution right now of not making a mistake, and it causes to reevaluate everything, but certainly not reevaluate the friendship and strategic alliance."

Mr Meadow, Undersecretary Patrick Kennedy from the State Department, Special representatives for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard Olson and other dignitaries attended the Pakistan Day event at the Embassy.

Addressing the gathering, Pakistan Ambassador to the US Jalil Abbas Jilani said that the resilient and critical relationship had been further bolstered by sustained frequency and multi-tiered engagements at the highest level. "It is gratifying to note that the partnership between our two countries has seen progress in all areas of interaction including trade, economy, investment, energy, defence, counter-terrorism, and people-to-people contacts," he said.

He told the attendees that Operation Zarb-e-Azb was in its final stages and the rehabilitation and reconstruction work in Fata was underway. "Internationally acclaimed success in dismantling the terrorist infrastructure and more importantly defeating extremism as an ideology is a testament to the progressive, moderate and resilient credentials of the people of Pakistan.

Grammy Academy member, Heather Schmid sang Pakistani national songs in Urdu on the occasion.