The leadership of Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United States, both military and civilian, fully understand the importance of securing the AF/PAK border in order to successfully combat terrorism in the region. Having understood the significance of this border, we also acknowledge the complexities of securing a porous, 2640km long, rugged terrain which is the AF/PAK border, especially when there has been a historic, cross-cultural migration trend back and forth. Unfortunately, militants and terrorists have been utilizing this terrain to their advantage; escaping from the ANSF into Pakistan and, during Operation Zarb-e-Azab, escaping into Afghanistan. These militants and terrorists are terrorizing local populations into complying with their wishes.
Recently, we have had several meetings between military leadership of all our nations where particular emphasis was placed on our coordination and cooperation efforts on the AF/PAK border which is a key factor in establishing regional security. As recent as a few days ago, General John F Campbell, commander Resolute Support Mission and United States Forces in Afghanistan called on the Pakistani COAS Gen. Sharif at the GHQ in Rawalpindi. These kinds of exchanges will hopefully enhance our military coordination on the border and consequently aid in combating militant movement across.
Haroon Ahmad
DET – U.S. Central Command
www.facebook.com/centcomurd[COLOR=black]u
Re: AF/PAK Border Security
Re: AF/PAK Border Security
....we also acknowledge the complexities of securing a porous, 2640km long, rugged terrain which is the AF/PAK border, especially when there has been a historic, cross-cultural migration trend back and forth. Unfortunately, militants and terrorists have been utilizing this terrain to their advantage; escaping from the ANSF into Pakistan and, during Operation Zarb-e-Azab, escaping into Afghanistan. These militants and terrorists are terrorizing local populations into complying with their wishes
I wish US political leadership also say this publicly and repeatedly. That will really help building trust b/w people of 2 countries. They hardly acknowledge these things publicly. All we hear (most of the time) is "do more" statements for Pakistan to stop people crossing INTO Afghanistan without acknowledging/underlining the fact that terrain is really hard to secure even for US and its allies let alone Pakistan Army.
Too much emphasis on "Military ties improvements" and very little on "public to public" and no "Gift of American People for Pakistani People" ads on TV wont cut it if those are padded by news of pushing Pakistan to "do more do more"
Re: AF/PAK Border Security
Decent 6Chora,
You raised an interesting point. I believe most of the positive conversations, meetings, and statements quickly fall of the front pages of newspapers, or at times those just go unnoticed. However, if you look for it, there is a lot of information out there that focuses on all the people to people, and government to government, interactions which take place between U.S. and Pakistan. Our embassies and organizations, such as USAID, are doing a lot of aid work and focusing on businesses and investments.
Haroon Ahmad
DET - U.S. Central Command
www.facebook.com/centcomurdu