Kayani’s ‘broken militants backbone’ repartee to counter US’ scathing war on terror censure
April 23rd, 2011 - 5:31 pm ICT by ANIIslamabad, April 23(ANI): The Pakistan military has ‘broken the backbone’ of militants in the ongoing war on terror, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani has said, just days after a discouraging statement about Pakistan’s counter-terrorism strategy given by the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, Admiral Mike Mullen.
During his latest visit to Pakistan, Mullen told a Pakistani newspaper that the Inter-Services Intelligence’s continued links with the Haqqani network were at the core of Pakistan’s problematic relations with the United States.
“What I worry about all these organisations, whether it is Haqqani network, Al Qaeda, JuD, LeT… there is a syndication which has occurred in the region here over the course of last three years, which is more and more worrisome and increasingly so TTP, under [Hakimullah] Mehsud, has espoused aspirations outside the region,” he said in an interview.
“What I am concentrating on myself here is the presence of al-Qaeda and its leadership, which pose a big threat to the US. It is the Haqqani network which is killing the Americans across the border,” Mullen said in another interview.
Addressing a Passing Out Parade of 123rd PMA Long Course at Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul on Saturday, Kayani said the Pakistan Army was fully aware of the internal and external threats faced by the country.
“In the war against terrorism, our officers and soldiers have made great sacrifices and have achieved tremendous success,” Geo TV quoted Kayani, as saying. “The terrorists’ backbone has been broken, and Inshallah (God willing), we will soon prevail,” he added.
Kayani said that the people of Pakistan were fully capable of coping with every challenge, adding that the countless sacrifices of Pakistani people in the war against terrorism were unforgettable.
Kayani said that Pakistan gives priority to its independence and sovereignty over any other thing, and told the cadets that this is the beginning of a long course, adding that they would get the opportunity to lead the most courageous army. (ANI)
- US general meets Kayani, discusses Haqqani network - Sep 24, 2011
- Pak must revisit policy on war against terror in light of US censure: Qureshi - Apr 23, 2011
- ISI's links with Haqqani network at core of US-Pak differences: Mullen - Apr 21, 2011
- Tattered US, Pak ties move into 'stalemate' over drone attacks, counter-terrorism issues - Apr 23, 2011
- Can't push Pakistan to do more: Gilani - Sep 30, 2011
- Kayani tells Mullen US drone attacks undermining war on terror - Apr 21, 2011
- US accuses Pakistan of supporting Haqqani network - Sep 23, 2011
- N.Waziristan offensive decision to be based on Pak's need, not US dictates: Gilani - Oct 15, 2010
- Pakistani parties to discuss security situation - Sep 29, 2011
- ISI has ties with Haqqani network: US commander - Apr 21, 2011
- I am only answerable to parliament: Gilani - Jan 16, 2012
- Gilani musters political support as US ties deteriorate - Sep 26, 2011
- Gilani calls back Khar from US (Lead) - Sep 25, 2011
- Militancy greatest threat to Pakistan's security: daily - Apr 25, 2011
- Gilani discusses Pakistan-US ties with politicians - Sep 25, 2011
Tags: admiral mike mullen, army staff, ashfaq, chief of army, chiefs of staff, coas, counter terrorism, external threats, geo tv, inshallah, inter services, joint chiefs of staff, jud, kayani, pakistan army, pakistan military, passing out parade, repartee, war against terrorism, war on terror