New Delhi's presence in Kabul to mar war goals: Kayani

ISLAMABAD Reiterating Pakistans firm commitment to combat terrorism, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Friday made it clear to the US that Indian presence in Afghanistan would not help achieve objectives of the war on terror.
General Kayani made these remarks while talking to the US National Security Advisor General (Retd) James Jones who called on him at GHQ.
The visiting US dignitary also held separate meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
Though ISPR press release said that the COAS and James Jones discussed matters of mutual interests, TheNation has learnt from other reliable sources that General Kayani expressed his deep concerns over Indian blatant interference into Pakistan through Afghanistan. Pakistan cannot tolerate it as it was tantamount to be counterproductive in the war against terror, the sources added.
The Chief of Army Staff also pointed out that Indian presence in Afghanistan might adversely impact efforts seeking to woo moderate Taliban in Afghanistan. General Kayani apprised the US dignitary about operation Rah-e-Nijat being carried out against terrorists in South Waziristan Agency.
The sources further informed that they also discussed the security situation in region and agreed to increase bilateral intelligence sharing.
Earlier, Jones also called on President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed issues relating to Pakistans struggle against militancy, rehabilitation of IDPs and early reimbursement of the arrears in coalition support fund (CSF).
When the US official called on Prime Minister Gilani, the PM underlined Pakistans concerns on the possible effects of surge in the US forces in Afghanistan, particularly in the bordering province of Helmand. Gilani emphasised that crossing over of Afghan Taliban into Pakistans territory must be factored in the new policy.
Gilani also called for regular consultations and coordination between the two sides in deployment of the US forces in Afghanistan, strengthening of the mechanism of border coordination centres, fencing of Pakistan-Afghan border, introduction of telemetric system for stemming the supply of weapons and drugs, and stopping the crossover of undesirable elements from Afghanistan into Pakistan.
The Prime Minister also drew the attention of the US National Security Advisor towards fast deteriorating conditions of road communication network between Karachi and Peshawar and between Karachi and Quetta-Chaman sectors due to heavy container traffic carrying supplies for the US-ISAF forces. He hoped that the US would assist Pakistan in revamping its road infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted smooth supplies for its forces in Afghanistan.
The PM apprised the visiting US emissary that Pakistani forces were over stretched because of continuous tension on the eastern border. It was imperative that the US should be sensitive about Pakistans core interests, which were Kashmir, water issue, Indian military capability and the requirements of balance of power in South Asia, he added. The US hence has to use its influence over India for resumption of composite dialogue and lessening of tension with Pakistan to enable Pakistan to concentrate its attention and energies in the fight against militancy and terrorism.
General (R) James L. Jones reciprocated by agreeing with the Prime Minister that the new US policy on Afghanistan should be formulated by taking into account the vital interests of Pakistan. He said that the US was committed to assist Pakistan economically, in reconstruction of militancy-affected areas and in capacity building of its forces.
He assured the Prime Minister that Obama administration fully recognised Pakistans concerns about the long-term peace and security of South Asia and would keep urging the Indian leadership to return to composite dialogue process.