Islamabad, Dec 4 (KNB): Recognizing Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism, US Secretary of Defense James Mattis who today conclude his maiden visit to the country said, Pakistan needs to explore more ways to effectively eliminate the threat of militancy.
Secretary of Defense James Mattis who visited Islamabad on December 4 on his inaugural trip to Pakistan in this position met with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Minister of Defense Khurram Dastigir Khan. Secretary Mattis also met with Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence Lt. Gen. Naveed Mukhtar.
Secretary Mattis recognized Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism. The Secretary emphasized the vital role that Pakistan can play in working with the United States and others to facilitate a peace process in Afghanistan that brings stability and security to the region. The Secretary reiterated that Pakistan must redouble its efforts to confront militants and terrorists operating within the country.
His visit to Pakistan comes days after the 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed was released from house arrest.(KNB)