Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, conveying concerns over allegations leveled by the US against Pakistan with regard to the Haqqani network, made it clear that such allegations could hamper the relations between the two countries and adversely affect the war against terrorism.
Top American commander James Mattis arrived in Pakistan late Friday night for talks with key military leaders, including Kayani, amidst growing tensions between the two countries over the USA linking ISI to the Haqqani network.
According to the sources, the meeting between the two military leaders lasted for over an hour in which matters related to recent US allegations against the ISI regarding Haqqani network, bilateral relations, attacks from Afghanistan side and the deteriorating Pak-US relations were discussed in length.
Mattis arrived in Pakistan at a time when the country’s relationship with the USA is at a new low after top American defence officials accused the ISI of supporting the Haqqani network of the Taliban, blamed for two recent attacks on the US Embassy and a military base in Afghanistan.
Sources said the COAS made it clear on the US Centcom chief the series of allegations against the Pakistani security agencies for their ties with Haqqani network without any proof should come to an end as this could affect the ties between the two countries.
Gen Kayani also raised the issue of recent attacks from the Afghanistan side on Pakistani check posts and demanded an end to such attacks, sources said.
US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has threatened unilateral action against the Haqqani network and other Pakistan-based militant groups, a statement condemned by Islamabad as contrary to the spirit of bilateral anti-terror cooperation.
Top Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and Gen Kayani, have rejected allegations by US officials and asked the USA to avoid hurting the sentiments of Pakistanis.
Kayani demands end to US allegations
