“Countering cross-border militancy and shutting down safe havens is critical not only for Pakistan's long-term peace and prosperity but also for positive relations between Pakistan and all its neighbours, including Afghanistan,” Burns said in a statement without mentioning India.
Burns, who arrived in Pakistan last night on his first visit as Deputy Secretary of State, met with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Army chief Gen Raheel Sharif, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and special assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.
“Burns conveyed the message of the United States to top Pakistani civil and military officials during the meetings, asking for the destruction of terrorist sanctuaries located in North Waziristan,” Dawn News quoted sources as saying.
