WASHINGTON - Expressing concern over the security situation in Afghanistan, top American Senators on Thursday alleged that neighboring Pakistan continued to play a duplicitous role there.
“Pakistan continues to be tremendously duplicitous partner in this. They are working against our interest there (in Afghanistan). They are supporting the Haqqani network,” Senator Bob Corker, Chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations said during a Congressional hearing in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan continued to be important for US national interest, he said as he expressed concern over the reports on differences in the Unity Government formed in 2014.
Corker in his remarks expressed concerns that the CEO position has not been confirmed by the Loyal Jirga. “I have personal relationship with and respect for President Ashraf Ghani and CEO Dr Abdullah Abdullah,” he said.
Ranking Member Ben Cardin joined Corker in expressing concerns about the security situation in Afghanistan. Is it possible to have a constructive role of Pakistan in Afghanistan, he asked, adding that there has been “signs of divisions” in the unity government.
The Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan (SRAP) Richard Olson told the lawmakers that Afghanistan would continue to require support from the United States and the international community even though the Taliban had been carrying terrorist attacks inside the country.
Responding to concerns from lawmakers, Olson said Pakistan’s struggle with terrorism would not succeed unless Islamabad “decisively shifts away from tolerating” externally focused terrorist group and end all safe havens inside the country.
At the same time, Olson praised the Pak Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif for taking strong actions against terrorist networks. But this is not enough, he underscored. (Pajhwok)