Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that the state is serious about improving relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Talking to a private news channel, the minister claimed that the strained ties between the two countries were due to Indian influence on Afghanistan.

He emphasised the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces in the country’s “war on terror”, adding that every possible step would be taken to flush out militants and the menace of “terrorism” from the country.

He also appreciated the armed forces for extending their services during the census process.

When asked about former army chief Gen (r) Raheel Sharif’s appointment as head of the Saudi-led military alliance, Asif said the decision of the coalition forces was yet to be taken. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan appear to be back on track after months of tensions and war of words, as the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz earlier reported progress in his recent talks with senior Afghan officials in London.

Briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz had said the London meeting with Afghan National Security Adviser Hanif Atmar had helped break the ice.