Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Masood Khan, emphasized the need for advanced small arms and modern equipment to ensure the success of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. Speaking at the Wilson Center’s South Asia Institute in Washington, DC, Khan urged the US to make Pakistan a partner for a diplomatic comeback in Kabul.
“Pakistan has launched Azm-e-Istehkam to oppose and dismantle terrorist networks. For that, we need sophisticated small arms and communication equipment,” Khan stated at an event organized in collaboration with the International Academy of Letters USA.
The federal government recently approved this reinvigorated national counter-terrorism drive to eliminate terrorism. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified that the operation is not a large-scale military endeavor and will not cause population displacement.
At the conference titled ‘Looking Back, Looking Forward: Assessing the US-Pakistan Relationship,’ Khan stressed the importance of the US and Pakistan investing in a “reset” of their relationship, maintaining strong security links, enhancing intelligence cooperation, and resuming sales of advanced military platforms and sustainment of US-origin defense equipment.
“This is crucial for regional security and opposing the rising tide of terrorism that also threatens the interests of the US and its allies,” he added.
Khan argued that bilateral ties should be grounded in reality while aiming for stronger security and economic partnerships. “One or two issues should not hold the entire relationship hostage,” he noted.
Highlighting Pakistan’s demographic dividend, technological advancements, and market opportunities, Khan invited US investors to explore the country’s potential.
The ambassador emphasized the significance of security cooperation, equating it to trust-building. He highlighted high-level defence talks, frequent meetings, and joint military exercises like Inspired Union-2024, Falcon Talon, and Red Flag, which promote defence cooperation between the two nations.
Khan proposed that the US consider Pakistan a partner for a diplomatic initiative in Kabul, if planned, and work together in an inclusive setting on counterterrorism and women’s and girls’ rights in Afghanistan.
June 28,2024
Source; Geo TV News