General Kayani rejects USZ demands for NWA operation

COAS General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani

USZ Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter Wednesday called on the Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kiyani and exchanged views on the strained US-Pakistan relations, sources said. The ISPR said that it had no knowledge of the meeting. However, diplomatic sources told Pakistan's Daily The Nation that the USZ envoy who met with General Kiyani on his request discussed the challenges both the countries are facing in improving the bilateral relations. According the sources, the Army Chief ostensibly rejected the ambassador’s demand for military action against militants in North Waziristan on the plea that any military action has to be decided by the government.

General Kiyani, the sources said, also took serious exception of the CIA operated drone strikes in Waziristan as it was counter productive and was promoting anti-USZ sentiments among the tribesmen. Confirming the meeting the USZ Embassy spokesman said it was a private meeting and “The embassy normally does not share private meetings’ details with media”, adding that the Ambassador normally meets different members of the society while being strategic partner with Pakistan.