Author: Staff Reporter
Publication: Dawn
Date: February 3, 2010
URL: http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/front-page/indian-influence-in-afghanistan-matter-of-concern-mukhtar-320
Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar said
on Tuesday Pakistan had serious concerns over the growing influence of India
in Afghanistan.
During a meeting with United Kingdom's Naval
Chief of Staff Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, the minister said the armed forces
had successfully cleared the troubled areas of Swat, Bajaur and South Waziristan
of militants with the support of the nation.
The two sides discussed cooperation between
navies of the two countries, regional security situation and the London conference
on Afghanistan.
Mr Mukhtar said the international community
had endorsed Pakistan's stance on Afghanistan at the recent London conference.
Pakistan, he added, had been urging the world to open dialogue with moderate
Taliban to integrate them into the mainstream for the sake of peace and stability
in the war-torn country.
The minister reiterated Pakistan's commitment
to promoting durable peace and stability in Afghanistan which was imperative
for regional peace and security. He said the international community should
recognise Pakistan as a nuclear state.
Maritime security of Indian Ocean and role
being played by Pakistan Navy as part of CTF 150 and CTF 151 were also discussed.
The two sides stressed the need for closer collaboration between the navies
of Britain and Pakistan.
They called for a coordinated mechanism for
exchange of information to combat human and drug trafficking and militancy.
Admiral Mark Stanhope also called on General
Tariq Majid, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.
They exchanged views on the regional security
situation, the impact of US strategy for Afghanistan and the region, outcome
of the London conference, measures for enhancing cooperation in dealing with
militancy on both sides of the Pak-Afghan border and specific measures to
improve bilateral maritime cooperation.
