ISLAMABAD: The Pentagon on Friday acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism. During a US Department of Defence press briefing, Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana White said: “The secretary [Jim Mattis] had very fruitful conversations about where they — we can find common ground. As he said, you know, no one has lost more troops and lives to terrorism than the Pakistanis. So again, this is about broadening our relationship and looking for opportunities,” said White when asked what kind of assurances Mattis received from Pakistan over redoubling its effort in the fight against terrorism. “And I think there are opportunities. I think his trip showed that. We will give you more, but again it’s a conversation that’s about common ground,” she added. “What’s that common ground”, asked the reporter, Pentagon chief spokesperson continued, “Again, terrorism. I mean, the threat of terrorism — I mean everyone has — Pakistan has an interest in ensuring that terrorism is defeated. They’ve lost thousands of troops, and they’ve lost thousands of innocents as well.”
Published in Daily Times, December 9th 2017.
