Senator McCain, visiting Pakistan, seeks better ties in Islamist fight

Olson also met Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry and discussed the regional security situation and efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The relationship between the United States and Pakistan has been strained in recent years.

Sen. John McCainJohn McCainMcCain wants to improve relations with Pakistan Graham to Obama: “Accept sound military advice” on Afghanistan Possible Clinton VP picks pack Sunday shows MORE (R-Ariz.) speaking from Pakistan Sunday, said he would like to see relationships between the US and the country improve so they can work together to eliminate radical Islamist groups.

He called for joint efforts by the two countries to curb the menace of terrorism, adding that the US Congress will be briefed appropriately about Pakistan’s efforts towards economic development and complete eradication of terrorism from its territory.

Aziz said Pakistan will keep playing its role for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) department, the USA delegation praised the achievements made by Pakistan army in vacating North Waziristan from terrorists.

“Mullah Mansoor was an obstacle to peace, posed a continued threat to USA persons through his support for operations against US forces, and was perpetuating a war without end”, Olson said. He said that USA delegation lauded Pakistan’s role in the reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

Senator McCain and his colleagues deeply appreciated the enormous success achieved by Pakistan in its counterterrorism campaign which they said was so impressively visible during their trip to North Waziristan.

Pakistan rejects harbouring militants but says there are limits to how much it can do as it is already fighting multiple Islamist groups and is wary of “blowback” in the form of more terror attacks on its soil. He said they were surprised to visit to Miran Shah. He said the enemy of Pakistan and the United States is common. The delegation also visited the areas vacated from the terrorists along with witnessing communication infrastructure and hideouts belonging to the extremists.