US Central Command (CENTCOM) Chief, Michael Erik Kurilla, in a meeting with Pakistan Army Chief, Asim Munir, discussed regional security and recognized Pakistan’s “continued efforts for bringing peace and stability in the region”.
Pakistan’s military wing media said that the meeting took place on Monday, adding that both sides also discussed matters of defense cooperation and reiterated their interest to enhance bilateral relations.
This comes amid a dramatic surge in cross-border militant attacks in Pakistan since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan nearly two years ago. The terror-related violence, mostly claimed by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has killed hundreds of Pakistani security forces and civilians, especially in the border areas near Afghanistan.
Pakistan has been pressing the Taliban to rein in cross-border violence, accusing the group of harboring TTP militants inside Afghanistan, allegations the Taliban has denied.
Recently, Pakistani Special Representative for Afghanistan, Asif Durrani, met top Taliban officials in Kabul to deliver “clear messages” that his country’s patience is running out over the Taliban’s apparent support for the TTP.
The Taliban slammed Islamabad to pursue peace talks with TTP instead of using violence.
