RAWALPINDI: Ambassador James F. Dobbins, United States Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif, today at General Headquarters.
During the meeting, issues of mutual interest were discussed.
While the success of Afghan Presidential elections was noted with satisfaction, importance of stable and democratic Afghanistan was emphasised for regional security.
Earlier on Thursday, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan held consultations with Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.
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Comments (13) Closed
Abbas Syed
Apr 25, 2014 05:21pm
I do not understand what business US ambassador has with the armed forces of Pakistan. Does any where in the world ambassador of one country meets the armed forces chief of another country. It happens only in Pakistan because US consider's Pakistan its client state.
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El Cid
Apr 25, 2014 06:23pm
"United States Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, called on Chief of Army Staff"
COAS presenting his progress report ?
Getting his marching orders, I suppose.
But where is Foreign Office? The elected PM ?
Slacking on their responsibilities and duties ?
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Ashraf
Apr 25, 2014 07:28pm
@Abbas Syed because they don't
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karun New Delhi
Apr 25, 2014 07:34pm
@Abbas Syed
Yes,Abbas you are right.Would never happen in India (or UK/USA).In mature democracies the Armed Forces should keep their distance and only 'join' in meetings when the civilian govt of the country presides over such meetings.
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I. Ahmed
Apr 25, 2014 08:40pm
Without going into the merits or demerits of this visit by 'representative' to COAS, the discussion, perhaps, could be that 'please don't rock the boat of democracy in Pakistan before we leave Afghanistan and the palace in KSA is being currently occupied and KSA is requesting to keep NS in Pakistan for the time being' or 'go on son, you won't get a better chance to take over, public is with you again'!
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Assad
Apr 25, 2014 08:49pm
Its seems armchair generals are here in numbers with their usual wishful thinking and condemnation of Pakistan, its democracy and military. Consider the situation on the ground. Think about the ISAF withdrawal. The Americans are looking to provide Pakistan with a substantial inventory of Mine Resistance Armoured Protection (MRAP) vehicles and other equipment. Perhaps this meeting, as unusual as it may be, would be pertaining to that.
The role of the US representative for Af-Pak is different from a typical ambassador who stays in the host country and usually sticks to meeting with diplomatic circles. When the representative visits Pakistan, he meets all of the stakeholders which include the military. Perhaps atypical situation but nonetheless based on reality on the ground.
One could care less what happens in India. Pakistan is a different country with different dynamics. The idea is to get the job done without a ton of red tape. Thus these direct meetings. Lastly, all meetings between the GHQ and the foreign emissaries are permitted through the defence ministry and thus the elected GoP. the CoaS is not going out of his way to meet with the American rep.
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Dr shafiq
Apr 25, 2014 09:09pm
When our democratically institutions start to act maturely & work towards interest of the country then foreign representatives wouldn't hold separate meeting with our arm forces. Unfortunately, our PM can't deliver what is best for pakistan' s interest.
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Pragmatist
Apr 25, 2014 09:16pm
Afghanistan genie cannot be put back into the bottle. US and Pakistan both are responsible to letting the genie out and nurturing it since then. Now its not only the issue of Afghanistan alone but also about the peace and stability of Pakistan. Though no one is suggesting the demise of Pakistan but he demise of Taliban is also not possible. They are too entrenched and have established pipelines of supply of weapons and money to keep them alive. The poverty, religious fanaticism, and mudrassas are continuously keeping the fire fueled. In this situation Pakistan Army is the only viable force that can keep the country going for as long as God wills. Our political leadership has neither the ability nor the will to tackle the issue.
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Parvez
Apr 25, 2014 10:20pm
Its an old story...........the US needs something and the army can provide that something.
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GA
Apr 25, 2014 10:20pm
Glad to read some comments here about COAS meeting a foreign ambassador. Would the Americans or Brits ever allow our ambassador to meet their military chiefs? What is wrong with our generals? Why can't they refuse such meetings?
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daniel shiger
Apr 25, 2014 10:22pm
Pakistanis souls are for sale. Welcome to Pakistan and thank you for buying our souls at cheap price. Once the Afghanistan mess is clear, you wont come to Pakistan for shopping again. So Mr Nawaz Sharif and Mr Raheel Sharif, this is your last chance, lets make hey as the sun will shine for the last time.
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Ayesha
Apr 25, 2014 11:18pm
Will the US allow any of our special representative to meet their COAS, and discuss the stability and democracy in their country, or any of their neighboring countries.? When our own authorities make fool of us it really hurts, as if we are not aware about the interests of the US, in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and they don't give a damn about the stability and all the drama they talk about keeping our interest as a shield, before their interests.
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Nabi Gul
Apr 26, 2014 07:17am
Americans have always been taken for a ride and this process will continue unabated
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