Qazi-Lincoln Lead

Ambassador Jehangir Ashraf Qazi Thursday met Senator Lincoln Chafee, highlighted growing Pak-US relations and reiterated Pakistan's support and commitment to the ongoing war on terrorism.

Sen. Lincoln Chafee is Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South Asian Region; and has visited Pakistan earlier this month along with other Senators.

Ambassador Qazi dispelled media propaganda that there were any differences in Pakistan and said "the present government has full support on combating terrorism."

Regarding Afghan border, the Ambassador highlighted the government's recent steps to check border movement and building fences at the border to check any infiltration. He, however, said that we need more resources and support from the US "to meet these challenges."

In response, the Senator reaffirmed US support to Pakistan and said he would introduce a bill in the Senate "which will have a positive impact on Pakistan."

Ambassador Qazi also strongly dispelled any nuclear proliferation, saying that "Pakistan's nuclear programme is in safe custody and we have a good Command and Control system in place on our peaceful nuclear programme."

The Ambassador reiterated once again that Pakistan's nuclear programme is basically for our defence purposes, especially in the wake of the growing imbalances in the region with India acquiring arms and weapons.

Earlier this week, the Ambassador met Senator Rockafeller, a high profile Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee on Select Intelligence and Congresswoman Ellen Tausher, who serves in the Armed Service Committee.

"They both highly appreciated Pakistan's efforts in fighting war on terrorism and Pakistan's support to the US in the fight against terrorism," an official announcement added.