Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday stressed the importance of diplomacy in the resolution of the Afghan conflict, stating that the US was relying too much on its military when it should give certain concessions to the militant groups who were willing to negotiate.

In an interview with the foreign media outlet, the minister said the US created space for bringing the militant groups, who were willing to talk, to the table.

He also called out the US for acting unilaterally in the region, saying such actions were detrimental to the US interests in the region. He further said that the military operations should only be undertaken in places where they were required, but after taking the allies into confidence.

Iqbal stressed the importance of Pakistan as a regional ally of the US, saying that the US could not defeat al Qaeda without the help of Pakistan.

The interior minister went on to highlight the geographic, political and strategic importance of the alliance between Pakistan and the US, reiterating that both countries needed to work together for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The minister said that a disruption in bilateral ties between Pakistan and the US would further reduce communication between the two countries, which would create more complications.

Responding to questions on the implications of a temporary freeze in US aid for the country’s economy, Iqbal stated that Pakistan, as a sovereign nation, was not dependent on charity.

“We have not been receiving a substantial amount of humanitarian or military aid from the US. In fact, the humanitarian aid which is given to us through the platform of USAID does not go to the government of Pakistan, but is rather distributed amongst non-governmental organisations,” Iqbal said.

As part of his current visit to Washington, Ahsan Iqbal also met US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan.

During the meeting, both officials stressed the need to join hands for sustainable peace and prosperity in the south Asian region. John J Sullivan noted that cooperation between Pakistan and United States is must for peace and stability in the region.

Published in Daily Times, February 11^th 2018.